Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Understanding of anaerobic oxidation of short-chain gaseous alkanes

Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology – Faculty of EAIT

Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 12 months

Base salary will be in the range $82,057 - $109,246 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)

Based at our St Lucia Campus - Brisbane

About This Opportunity

Short chain gaseous alkanes (SCGAs) including ethane, propane and butane isomers are substantial constituents of natural gas (up to ~20%), while their emissions to the atmosphere greatly impact global air quality and tropospheric chemistry. SCGA oxidation by anaerobic microorganisms makes up an essential SCGA sink, significantly limiting their amounts entering the atmosphere acceptor in natural and engineered ecosystems.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to perform a systematic investigation of the novel microbial processes of nitrate-dependent anaerobic oxidation of short-chain gaseous alkanes (SCGAs, including ethane, propane and butane). The candidate will perform laboratory studies to enrich and identify new microorganisms mediating nitrate-dependent anaerobic SCGA oxidation, and to characterise newly enriched nitrate-dependent anaerobic SCGA oxidisers and their metabolic pathways.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: 

• Research: Establish a research program, collaborate on research projects, seek and manage research funding, publish in reputable journals, utilize best practice research methodologies, and participate in project discussions.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise students, provide performance feedback and training, resolve conflicts, and ensure correct remuneration and benefits.
• Citizenship and Service: Develop partnerships, demonstrate leadership through mentoring, engage in internal service roles and committees, perform administrative functions, provide support to colleagues, and uphold university values.

This 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

• Completed PhD in environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, or environmental biotechnology or similar disciplines, focusing on anaerobic microorganism enrichment and characterisation.
• Demonstrated proficiency to carry out high quality research, and proven record of professional achievement in the relevant discipline area.
• Experience in bioreactor operation and optimisation, isotope labelling experiment, and microbial communities analyse.
• Excellent organisational skills, lab management skills, and ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a cohesive team.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

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

Work Rights:

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.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Jianhua Guo via j.guo1@uq.edu.au. 

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

Want To Apply?

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Responses to 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 talent@uq.edu.au.

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 on Tuesday, 14 October 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-55895).

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