About This Opportunity
We are looking for a motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an innovative chemistry research program funded by an ARC Discovery Project. This exciting role offers the opportunity to work at the interface of chemistry and biology, contributing to cutting-edge research that aims to covalently attach redox-active transition metal complexes to protein surfaces.
You will bring a strong track record in the synthetic covalent modification and characterisation of proteins and have the opportunity to further develop your expertise in transition metal coordination chemistry and electrochemistry, working within a collaborative and high-performing research environment that supports professional growth and research impact.
Key responsibilities will include:
Research: Produce high-quality research outputs aligned with disciplinary standards, contribute to competitive grant applications, develop an emerging research profile, and support the translation of research into impact, including knowledge transfer and commercialisation.
Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the supervision and development of Honours and HDR students and research staff, providing effective leadership, feedback, coaching and support in line with University policies and best practice.
Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate strong citizenship aligned with UQ values through collaboration, internal and external service, committee participation, and the development of professional relationships with industry, government and the wider community.
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
Completion or near completion of a PhD in Chemistry
An emerging profile in research in Chemistry.
Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences
Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.
Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities
Experience in transition coordination chemistry and electrochemistry is desirable
Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia and qualifications. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights, however upfront costs will still be expected to be covered. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Paul Bernhardt at p.bernhardt@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?
We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:
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, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. 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 4 March 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-60321). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for mid March.
