Research Assistant in Agricultural Science

University of Queensland

Position Details

  • Casual position, HEW Level 4

  • Hourly rate: $50.24 – $53.27 + 12% superannuation

  • Flexible hours: Up to 25 hours per week

  • Location: St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

We are seeking a curious, analytical and impact-driven Research Assistant to support the development of techno-economic analysis (TEA) frameworks for emerging precision-fermentation technologies.

In this role, you will help shape the future of sustainable dairy systems, analysing how precision-fermented milk proteins can integrate into Australia’s existing dairy infrastructure.

You will work at the intersection of economics, engineering and sustainability, assessing:

  • feedstock viability,

  • scale-up scenarios,

  • market and cost volatility,

  • carbon-pricing impacts,

  • co-product valorisation within circular-economy models.

Your work will directly inform industry and research decision-making, guiding commercially viable and environmentally responsible solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Model Development & Economic Assessment

  • Build and maintain TEA models for standalone and integrated precision-fermentation systems.

  • Develop CAPEX/OPEX breakdowns and perform MPSP/IRR assessments.

Feedstock & Process Evaluation

  • Analyse feedstock options (e.g., sugar, whey, bagasse, gas; cell-based vs cell-free systems).

  • Normalise costs and prepare comparison tables and visual summaries.

Scale-Up & Sensitivity Analysis

  • Conduct capacity assessments and scale-exponent modelling.

  • Identify competitiveness thresholds and develop tornado/sensitivity charts.

Co-Product Valorisation

  • Evaluate co-product pathways and incorporate credits/avoided costs into TEA frameworks.

About UQ

As a member of UQ’s professional staff community, you will contribute to research, teaching, and student success. UQ is committed to:

  • excellence in research and innovation,

  • supporting diverse career pathways,

  • offering staff benefits such as affordable on-campus parking, access to internal opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.

About You

Qualifications & Skills

  • Degree in Chemical/Bioprocess Engineering, Food Science, Agricultural/Resource Economics, Industrial Engineering, or another quantitative discipline.

  • Multi-disciplinary combinations (e.g., engineering + economics) are highly valued.

  • Strong quantitative and analytical skills; confidence with spreadsheets and/or coding.

  • Experience with process modelling or TEA tools (e.g., SuperPro, DCF modelling, bioprocess modelling, production economics, cost–benefit analysis).

  • Clear, concise communication tailored to technical audiences.

  • A genuine interest in applying TEA to agricultural, food, fuel, or high-value science domains.

  • Availability to commence January 2026.

Additional Information

  • Background checks (including right-to-work) may be required.

Questions?

  • Role enquiries:
    Associate Professor Sudhir Yadav
    Email: sudhir.yadav@uq.edu.au

  • Application enquiries:
    Talent Acquisition team
    Email: talent@uq.edu.au
    Include reference R-58838 in the subject line.

How to Apply

Submit:

  1. Cover letter (briefly outline one example of a quantitative analysis you have done, including tools used)

  2. Resume

If you require an alternative application method due to accessibility needs, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information

  • This is a casual role, and per Fair Work standards, there is no commitment to ongoing work.

  • UQ is committed to inclusive hiring. Applicants who do not meet every criterion are still encouraged to apply.

  • Applications may be reviewed and interviews conducted before the closing date.

Application Deadline:

Sunday, 1 February 2026 at 11:00pm AEST
Job Reference: R-58838

Early applications are encouraged as UQ may close the process early.

Apply