FaBA - Food Research Engineer / Food Technologist

Overview

FaBA - Food Research Engineer / Food Technologist role at The University of Queensland. Based at St Lucia Campus, Brisbane. Full-time, 100%, fixed-term position for up to 30 April 2027. Base salary in the range $93, $100, % Superannuation (HEW Level 6). Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About This Opportunity

We are looking for a new team member with experience in food manufacture, processing and/or development to provide specialist technical expertise in support of high-quality research outcomes at all stages of the research, development and innovation life-cycle. Projects include enhancing nutritional properties and sustainability credentials of animal and plant-based foods while maintaining consumer acceptability, spanning products like beverages, burgers and nutrient-dense snack foods with minimal ingredients. The researcher will perform food product and/or process development and may utilise lab- and pilot-scale twin screw extruders. A key aspect is collaborating to deliver outcomes that support FaBA in accelerating new product / ingredient / processing opportunities for Australian industry and consumers.

Responsibilities

• Applies specialist technical skills or knowledge to research activities, including food and beverage product/ingredient development, processing, manufacture and/or characterisation.
• Implements research results and new knowledge from science and engineering.
• Assist in the development and management of research, development and innovation projects and technologies.
• Support the management of food laboratory operations.
• Assist in managing projects to deliver against milestones and meet stakeholder expectations.

Safety

• Ensure food safe practices are exercised and maintained within the food laboratory.
• Maintain high standards of research housekeeping, waste disposal, sample storage and chemical/ingredient/sample inventory management.
• Assist with developing a proactive safety culture and implement continuous improvement.
• Under broad direction, set up, monitor and demonstrate standard experiments and equipment use.
• Coordinate maintenance of instruments/equipment to ensure optimal performance.

Research and Administrative Support

• Assist with development of research/analytical/processing protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments or technical activities and results/outcomes.
• Design testing procedures and coordinate to identify problems and solutions.
• Contribute to research outputs and preparation of reports/manuscripts.
• Other duties, as reasonably directed by the supervisor.

About The Food And Beverage Accelerator

Australia's Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) is a $160 million initiative to boost growth and innovation in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. Part of the Federal Government's Trailblazer Program, FaBA leverages $50m of government investment with more than $110m from universities and industry. Partners work across four areas: the research programs Innovative Ingredients and Premium Food and Beverage Products, and the enabling programs Innovation Pathways and the FaBA Training Centre. FaBA provides manufacturers access to research teams, next generation industry professionals, state-of-the-art equipment and pilot facilities. FaBA is hosted by The University of Queensland, in collaboration with participants QUT, UniSQ and UniQuest.

Benefits

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, with a range of benefits and rewards available, such as:

• 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
• 17% superannuation contributions
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Flexible working arrangements including flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to Employee Assistance Program for staff and immediate family
• UQ Study for Staff
• On campus childcare options
• Cheap parking (from just $6.15 a day)
• Salary packaging options

About You

• Completion of a relevant degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Food Engineering or Chemical Engineering or similar.
• Significant experience in a manufacturing/food production environment or relevant research and development experience is highly desirable.
• Advanced technical capabilities in food processing, development, and/or extrusion processing highly desirable.
• Knowledge of nutrition science and regulatory frameworks is desirable.
• Detailed knowledge of legislative requirements and operating procedures for research, food production, and food safety, including development of standard operating procedures, waste disposal, labelling and risk assessments.
• Relevant experience in research, development and innovation in food and beverages or the capability to quickly acquire this knowledge and apply it in the workplace.
• Well-developed problem-solving skills with the ability to plan ahead, prioritise tasks to meet deadlines, and work with high adaptability, independently and in a team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to produce clear, succinct documentation.
• Ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in a research environment.

The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks including Right to Work in Australia, criminal history and education checks.

Work Rights

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Prof Jason Stokes via For application inquiries, contact the Talent Acquisition team at , stating the job reference number 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 upload:

• Resume
• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the About You section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and will support accessibility needs. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process. Candidates who do not meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate potential. The selection panel considers potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close on Tuesday, 16 September 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R

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