Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI)

• Employment Type: Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 3 years
• Salary:Location: St Lucia Campus
  • Academic Level A: $83,698.91 - $111,431.10 + 17% Superannuation
  • Academic Level B: $117,120.53 - $138,769.70 + 17% Superannuation

About This Opportunity

Join UQ’s Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) and be at the forefront of agricultural innovation. In this role, you will help shape the future of canola breeding by developing and refining cutting-edge predictive breeding methods in collaboration with diverse research and industry partners. You will optimise selection and mating strategies to accelerate multi-trait genetic gain, and contribute to the development of elite hybrid combinations using state-of-the-art technologies including genomics, artificial intelligence, genetic simulation, and speed breeding.

This is a unique opportunity to expand your expertise in applied breeding innovation, work alongside leaders in the field, and make a tangible impact on agriculture through collaborative, industry-focused research.

Key Responsibilities

Research

• Contribute to an innovative research program in quantitative genetics and genomics
• Collaborate on research projects
• Seek and manage research funding
• Publish in reputable journals
• Utilize best practice research methodologies
• Participate in project discussions

Supervision and Researcher Development

• Supervise students
• Recruit and manage employees
• Provide performance feedback and support training in predictive breeding
• Resolve conflicts
• 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
• 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

For Appointment at Level A

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in a relevant field e.g. Quantitative Genetics, Crop Genomics, Plant Breeding
• An emerging profile in research in the field of quantitative genetics or plant breeding
• 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

Additional for Level B

• A growing profile in research in the field of quantitative genetics or plant breeding
• A developing reputation and track record of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences
• Evidence of successfully seeking, obtaining and managing external research funding
• Evidence of a high level of quality teaching at undergraduate, honours and postgraduate level across a variety of settings, including small and large groups
• 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

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 check. 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 and a relocation support package, 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:
Dr Owen Powell – o.powell2@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:

• Cover letter addressing Selection Criteria
• Resume

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 Sunday April 26th 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-62825).
Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for mid-May 2026.