• Institute for Molecular Bioscience

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years

• Base salary will be in the range $83,698.91 - $111,431.10 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)

• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer to help advance groundbreaking research targeting inflammation‑driven chronic diseases and antimicrobial‑resistant bacterial infections.

In this role, you’ll use mRNA‑ and small‑molecule‑based approaches to modulate immunometabolic pathways in macrophages, suppress pathological inflammation, and investigate mechanisms of action in models of sepsis and chronic liver disease.

You will lead day‑to‑day research across immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, and microbiology, while also contributing to student and/or staff supervision. You’ll work with cutting‑edge assays and collaborate with leading national and international experts.

Find more information on Professor Matt Sweet’s Laboratory (IMB) - https://imb.uq.edu.au/research-groups/sweet  

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research: Establish a research program, collaborate on research projects, seek and manage research funding, publish in reputable journals, utilize best practice research methodologies, and participate in project discussions.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise students, recruit and manage employees, provide performance feedback and training, resolve conflicts, and 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, and 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 

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in the area of immunology and/or cell biology.

• An emerging profile in research in the area of immunology and/or cell biology.

• Evidence of experience with animal models of acute and/or chronic inflammatory conditions.

• Evidence of experience with immunometabolism-related research.

• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and conference presentations.

• Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and to effectively supervise others.

• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards 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, qualifications and other role-specific requirements such as mandatory immunisations. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

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.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Matt Sweet 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 addressing the selection criteria as outlined in 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, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. 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 Tuesday 3 February 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-60133). Please note applications will be reviewed as received. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.