Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Fellow in Marine Microbial

The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences

The Australian Centre for Ecogenomics (ACE)

Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years

Academic Level A / Level B

Based at our St Lucia location

About This Opportunity

The Australian Centre for Ecogenomics (ACE), within the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB), is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Level A) or Research Fellow (Level B) with expertise in microbial genomics and bioinformatics. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to world-class research aimed at sustaining marine ecosystems through advanced computational and genomic approaches.

The successful candidate will work as part of a funded research project that integrates metagenomics, k-mer–based methods, and artificial intelligence to identify microbial indicators for monitoring marine ecosystems using large-scale short- and long-read sequencing data. You will collaborate with a dynamic team of internal and external researchers to achieve project milestones and contribute to high-impact publications. The role also provides opportunities to co-supervise research higher-degree students, engage with UQ’s Early- and Mid-Career Researcher network, and build a strong foundation for an independent research career.

Key responsibilities will include:

Research

Level A, B

Conduct computational analyses and interpret results, specifically in the broad context of marine microbial ecology.

Produces interim and final reports to fulfil project milestones, and where applicable, quality research outputs consistent with discipline norms by publishing or exhibiting in national research journals, other appropriate refereed publications and conference publications, with a lead role in some outputs.

Work with colleagues in the development of joint research projects and applications for competitive research funding support.

Contribute to progressing towards transfer of knowledge, technology and practices to research end users through translation, including commercialisation of UQ intellectual property.

Review and draw upon best practice research methodologies.

Additional for Level B

Lead the design and implementation of computational workflow(s), and coordinate with collaborators on data-generation strategies.

Develop an independent and/or team research program to achieve national recognition and impact in the research area.

Participate in or contribute as chief investigator role (often in conjunction with more experienced researchers) in applications for competitive research funding to support projects and activities, which includes actively seeking, obtaining and managing research funding.

his is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

Applicants should possess a PhD in microbiology, marine biology, genomics, bioinformatics, or related disciplines.

In addition, successful Level A candidates will demonstrate:

A growing research profile in metagenomics, bioinformatics, and/or marine microbial ecology.

Technical expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, metagenomics and/or marine microbial ecology research.

A developing track record of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.

Technical expertise in programming (e.g. python) and experience with high-performance computing are highly desirable.

Experience in machine learning applied to biological systems is desirable but not essential.

In addition to the above, successful Level B candidates will demonstrate:

At least two years of full-time research experience in both metagenomics and marine microbial ecology.

Ability to contribute to multidisciplinary, collaborative research teams and deliver successful research outcomes.

Evidence of successfully seeking, obtaining and managing external research funding.

A growing record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students to successful completion.

Experience in meaningful internal service roles in conjunction with active contributions to external activities.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia and education check.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

We may support you with a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Philip Hugenholtz via .

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

Resume

Cover letter addressing the ‘About You’ section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact .

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close 12 November 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-57099). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for late November 2025.

R-57099