Senior Research Assistant - Food Technologist in Brisbane

The University of Queensland (UQ) has created positive change for society by delivering knowledge leadership for a better world. UQ ranks among the world's top universities.

Full-time, fixed-term position through to May 2028. Base salary will be in the range $85,452 - $94,984 + 17% super (HEW Level 5).

Join a purposeful, collaborative research environment supporting Australia's Food and Beverage Accelerator, a nationally significant initiative hosted by The University of Queensland. As Senior Research Assistant, you will provide technical and laboratory support for an industry‐linked project focused on next‐generation food ingredients and products with enhanced nutritional functionality, improved processing performance, and reduced allergenicity. Working alongside multidisciplinary colleagues across food science, immunology, and commercial translation, you will contribute practical expertise that helps turn research insight into industry‐ready outcomes.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Conduct and support laboratory experiments across compositional and amino acid profiling, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion studies, protein digestibility assays, and allergen release kinetics assessments.
• Perform thermal denaturation and processing experiments, including differential scanning calorimetry, turbidity and dynamic light scattering measurements, and industry‐relevant thermal treatments.
• Benchmark techno‐functional performance across foaming, gelation, emulsification, and baking applications, including stability and shelf‐life studies for liquid, frozen, and powdered ingredient formats.
• Assist with research study design, technical troubleshooting, equipment upkeep, research documentation, literature reviews, reporting, and routine team administration.

About You

• Completion of a degree level qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline, or completion of a Diploma with relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education or training in food protein or allergen research.
• Demonstrated experience in food protein characterisation, thermal processing of egg or dairy products, or allergenicity assessment methodologies such as ELISA, immunoblot, or in vitro digestion models.
• Strong practical research skills in analytical techniques relevant to the project, such as differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, texture analysis, LC‐MS/MS sample preparation, or food rheology measurements.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team spanning food science, immunology, and commercial translation.
• Capability to manage routine laboratory procedures independently with a methodical, organised, and self‐motivated approach.
• Confidence troubleshooting scientific or technical equipment and contributing to safe, efficient laboratory operations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to assist with reports, figures, presentations, and research documentation.
• Experience in industry‐based research and development, particularly within the food or ingredient sector, would be considered favourably.

As part of the UQ community, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.

This role connects with UQ's industry‐facing food innovation ecosystem. Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, flexible and hybrid working options, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on‐campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.

Other Information

Pre‐employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia. 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're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We're also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process.

Applications close 16 AEST (R-67307).