Job Title: Research Assistant - Food Technology
About the Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to apply and develop your skills in food technology. It is an appointment in the UQ Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sustainability funded by the Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) Premium Food and Beverage.
Key Responsibilities
* Support research activities in rheology, grains, size reduction, food processing, digestibility, and beta-glucan extraction, while assisting in refining and implementing research methodologies.
* Assist in designing research studies, conducting complex experiments, including digestibility processes and extraction procedures, and troubleshooting scientific equipment.
* Maintain research facilities, ensure proper functioning of specialized equipment, and uphold technical operations.
* Ensure the safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, equipment, and samples, while following strict safety protocols.
* Assist with drafting research documents, including ethics and funding applications, conducting literature reviews, and collaborating with senior researchers to support effective research execution.
* Support administrative tasks, prepare reports, graphs, and presentations on research outcomes, and contribute to effective communication of findings.
About You
* Completion or near completion of a Master's or a Diploma in food science, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline.
* Basic experience in laboratory research experiments with food processing techniques, microscopy, spectroscopy, and other characterization techniques.
* Excellent practical research skills and experience in relevant research methodology or techniques required for this body of research.
* Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
* Ability to work independently on routine procedures.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* Well-organised, methodical and self-motivated.
* Previous experience in a similar role would be considered favourably.
Benefits
* 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave.
* 17% superannuation contributions.
* 17.5% annual leave loading.
* Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight.
* Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family.
* UQ Study for Staff.
* Cheap parking (from just $6.15 a day).
* Salary packaging options.