Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Preclinical Drug Development presso The University of Queensland

• School of Biomedical Sciences

• Full-time, 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

About This Opportunity 

The Centre for Integrated Preclinical Drug Development (CIPDD), based in UQ’s School of Biomedical Sciences, is seeking a passionate Research Officer to join our dynamic team.

In this role, you will contribute to cutting-edge preclinical drug development research that advances new therapies and improves lives. Working alongside world-class researchers and collaborators, you’ll engage in a diverse mix of activities—from hands-on laboratory work, experimental design, and data analysis through to research publications, presentations, and student supervision.

You will play a vital role in ensuring research excellence by supporting study directors, maintaining high-quality standards, and driving projects to meet critical milestones. This position also offers the opportunity to develop your expertise across diverse research activities, while contributing to a collaborative, supportive, and innovative environment at UQ.

If you’re looking to advance your research career while making a tangible difference in healthcare, we’d love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research: Deliver high-quality research outcomes through preparation of study plans, execution of collaborative research studies according to the study plan, data analysis, preparation of commercial-in-confidence reports, and the conduct of all studies in accordance with the requirements of our electronic quality management system.

• Secure and translate research impact by contributing to competitive funding applications, fostering partnerships, and progressing knowledge transfer.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise and develop researchers and students by providing effective guidance, feedback, and professional development to Honours, HDR candidates, and research support staff.

• Foster a positive and compliant research environment through fair management practices, constructive performance support, and prompt resolution of conflicts or grievances in line with University policies.

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, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You 

• Completion of a PhD in a relevant discipline, with an emerging research profile and evidence of a track record in contributing to collaborative research with industry and academic partners.

• Strong motivation and initiative, with the ability to work independently and design/interpret experiments using in vivo animal models and ex vivo methods, adhering to PPE requirements (including PAPR use with restricted carcinogens).

• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills in preclinical drug development research.

• Proven ability in report writing, record keeping, data management, and clear presentation of research results.

• Excellent organisational skills with experience managing confidential research data and meeting strict project deadlines.

• Experience in teaching and supervising students or junior staff in laboratory techniques and administrative tasks.

• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with Quality Management Systems (e.g., GLP, ISO9001:2015) and electronic QMS platforms.

• At least 5 years’ experience in research facilities operated in accordance with the requirements of international quality standards, including in vivo drug development studies, cell culture/in vitro assays, behavioural assessments in efficacy studies, and equipment maintenance.

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

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Andy Kuo at [email protected]. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], 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:

• 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 [email protected].

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 Monday 8th September 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-54676). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Tuesday 16th September 2025.

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