Group Leader

• Institute for Molecular Bioscience

• Join a university ranked in the world's top 50

• Australia's #1 research institute

• Based at St Lucia Campus

What started as Queensland's first university in 1909, with just three faculties and 83 students, has grown into university ranked in the world's top 50 that is renowned for being a leader in teaching and research.

When you join The University of Queensland, you're joining a community that actively strives toward creating change right across the world every day. From science and sustainability to health and humanities, our researchers are finding solutions to the world's biggest challenges. Our award-winning teachers are recognised for empowering our students to thrive as innovative thinkers and grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

Even after 100 years of history and excellence, we haven't forgotten that UQ was founded by – and for – the people of Queensland. It's this commitment that re-emphasises that UQ is a place for everybody: no matter who you are, where you're from, or what challenges you've faced, you can pursue your ambitions at UQ.

Curing Disease: It's in our nature.

For 25 years, The Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) at The University of Queensland has been at the forefront of discovery. As Australia's leading powerhouse of bioscience research, we are driven by a bold vision for a world free of disease. Home to more than 500 brilliant minds, IMB is where curiosity meets purpose, and innovation transforms into impact.

From heart disease to cancer, diabetes to chronic pain, and antimicrobial resistance to environmental challenges, our researchers tackle humanity's greatest health threats. We explore life at its most fundamental level, from genetics to cell biology to drug discovery, and harness cutting-edge technologies, AI, and interdisciplinary collaboration to create new solutions and new hope.

Our purpose is clear: to discover and develop the next generation of treatments that change lives. And our track record speaks for itself. Over the past quarter-century, IMB Group Leaders have launched 25 groundbreaking spin-out companies, turning scientific insight into global innovation. These include Protagonist Therapeutics, valued at $6.3 billion; Inflazome Ltd, acquired by Roche in a landmark $600 million deal; Infensa Bioscience, leading clinical trials for the world's first cardioprotective drug; and Sero-X, bringing bee-friendly pesticide technology to shelves at Bunnings.

These successes embody the IMB spirit: transforming world-class research into real-world impact. As we look ahead, we remain united by one purpose and one promise: to imagine and deliver a healthier, disease-free future.

For 25 years, we've redefined what's possible in science, transforming discovery into life-changing innovation. Now, we're looking for bold, visionary Group Leaders to join us and help write the next chapter of IMB's story. If you're driven by curiosity, collaboration, and the pursuit of a world free of disease, this is your moment. Join us—and help shape the future of health. Because at IMB, Curing disease: it's in our nature.

You may call them Faculty, Lab Heads, or Research Leaders—but at IMB, we call them Group Leaders.

IMB is now inviting expressions of interest from exceptional scientists ready to shape the next 25 years of discovery. We are seeking outstanding individuals for the roles of Senior Research Fellow (Level C; Assistant Professor), Senior Principal Research Fellow (Level D; Associate Professor), and Professorial Research Fellow (Level E; Professor) to join one of our four world-class research centres. Join us and help drive the breakthroughs that will define the future of health.

Our four research centres:

Centre for Population and Disease Genomics

Studies the genome to improve diagnosis and treatment associated with common diseases, contributing to the development of personalised precision medicine and the development of methods for analysis of genetic and genomic big data. 

Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease

Studies the cell in isolation and in the more complex environment of the body, investigating how healthy cells function and what goes wrong in disease, with the ultimate aim of developing or informing new treatments for chronic disease.

Centre for Superbug Solutions

Conducts discovery research to advance our understanding of infections, develop new treatments and vaccines, and develop better diagnostics so patients can receive the right treatment in time.

Centre for Chemistry and Drug Discovery

A multidisciplinary team with broad and deep experience in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology, translation and commercialisation, integrating these to guide the design and development of new medicines and treatments.

It is expected that the appointed Group Leader will lead a high-calibre internationally competitive research program; train, supervise and mentor Higher Degree by Research students; and contribute to the academic mission of the IMB, The University of Queensland, and their research disciplines through high level service and engagement roles and activities.

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in natural products, peptide chemistry, medicinal chemistry, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, data science, machine learning/artificial intelligence methodologies, and bacteriology, but will consider applications relevant to all our Centres

Key responsibilities include:

1. Research

• Maintain an active record of producing quality research outputs consistent with discipline norms as lead contributor, by publishing or exhibiting in high impact international research journals, other appropriate refereed publications and conference publications.

• Lead as Chief Investigator applications for significant research funding to support projects and activities, which includes actively seeking, obtaining and managing research funding, and contribute to larger scale strategic funding initiatives.

• Conduct an innovative and novel research program to deliver impactful research outcomes in the human health and/or agricultural sectors.

• Collaborate with other researchers across the IMB and The University of Queensland more broadly.

• Translate research findings into high impact publications, presentations at international and national meetings, and valuable IP.

• Demonstrate an international reputation in your primary field of research.

• Create and maintain national and international research collaborations.

• Meet the Institute's key performance indicators, including quality research outputs, research leadership, income, fellowships, industry research and philanthropic activities.

2. Teaching

• Postgraduate teaching will focus on training, supervising and mentoring Higher Degree Research students to achieve quality outcomes.

• Undergraduate teaching will support Honours and Undergraduate project students. 

• Teaching into an affiliate School at UQ is strongly encouraged, and Fellowship holders can be considered for UQs Amplify scheme.

3. Supervision and Researcher Development

• Act as Principal Advisor to Higher Degree by Research students.

• Demonstrate and lead others in the responsible conduct of research.

• Demonstrate personal effectiveness in supervision and management and development of researcher capability and skill.

• Lead the facilitation of engagement opportunities for supervisees.

• Effectively lead and develop employee performance and conduct by providing feedback, coaching, and professional development.

• Manage staff effectively throughout the employee lifecycle in accordance with University policy and procedures.

• Work promptly to effectively resolve conflict and grievances when they arise, in accordance with University policy and procedures.

4. Citizenship and Service

• Consistently demonstrate behaviours that align to the UQ values.

• Show leadership of self and others through mentoring, collaboration, and a responsibility for staff wellbeing.

• Demonstrate a track record of achievement in relation to internal service roles, including a high level of collaboration and participation in decision-making and service on relevant committees.

• Undertake administrative processes as required.

• Establish a track record of collaboration in relation to external service activities.

• Advance external links and partnerships by collaborating with industry, government departments, professional bodies and the wider community.

• Engage with the public through public lectures, outreach into primary and secondary schools, and hosting lab tours.

About You

• Completion of a PhD in a relevant discipline.

• Expert knowledge and an established profile in research in your discipline area(s).

• Recognition in area of expertise and a strong record of high-quality publications, presentations at conferences, and a pipeline of new research targeting high quality journals.

• A compelling record of successfully seeking, obtaining and managing external research funding.

• A strong record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students through to successful completion.

• High-level communication and interpersonal skills with proven ability to successfully lead a collaborative multidisciplinary and multicultural research group.

Level D incumbent additional criteria:

• A sustained record of outstanding impact and achievement in research in your disciplinary area(s).

• International recognition in area of expertise, evidenced by an excellent record of publications in high-quality refereed journals and invited presentations at major national and international conferences.

• Experience successfully leading a research team, with an excellent record of successfully seeking, obtaining and managing significant external research funding from institutional and commercial sources.

• A strong record of meaningful internal service roles in conjunction with evidence of leadership in external activities.

• Well-developed communication, interpersonal and consultative skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from a multidisciplinary background.

Level E incumbent additional criteria:

• International recognition for leadership in research in area of expertise with an outstanding record of publications in high-quality refereed journals and invited keynote/plenary presentations at major national and international conferences.

• Ability to lead strategic research agendas and research teams, with an outstanding record of successfully seeking, obtaining and managing significant external research funding from institutional and commercial sources.

• An outstanding record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students to successful completion.

• An outstanding record of meaningful internal leadership roles in conjunction with a high level of leadership in external activities at a national and international level.

If you'd like to have a confidential discussion please contact Prof Ian Henderson, Institute Director via As part of the internal UQ community, we're genuinely committed to finding an exceptional leader we'll continue to work with longer-term, so we'll ensure we also support you throughout the recruitment process.

When you're ready to submit an application, we ask that you please create a profile via our careers website and upload the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover letter address about you section

At UQ we know that our greatest strengths come from our diverse mix of colleagues, this is reflected in our ongoing commitment to creating an environment focused on equity, diversity and inclusion.  We ensure that we are always attracting, retaining and promoting colleagues who are representative of the diversity in our broader community, whether that be gender identity, LGBTQIA+, cultural and/or linguistic, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability. Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to  

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We'll support you with the visa sponsorship process and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia's Sunshine State here.

Applications close Monday 5 January 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R

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.