Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Macadamia and Passionfruit Breeding Program
- The University of Queensland
- Australia, QLD
- Jun 13, 2026
Job Description:
Part-time (40%), fixed-term position through to July 2027
Base salary will be in the range $100,600 - $111,431 + 17% super (Academic Level A)
Based on the Sunshine Coast at our Nambour Campus
About This Opportunity
At The University of Queensland, you'll join a globally recognised research institution where innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact drive discovery. This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to develop their expertise and emerging research profile in macadamia science within the Centre for Horticultural Science at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI).
Based at the Maroochy Research Facility, with travel to UQ's St Lucia campus as required, you will contribute to the Hort Frontiers Genetics for Next Generation Orchards Program, delivering research that supports the future productivity and sustainability of the horticulture sector. Working alongside leading researchers and industry partners, you will advance knowledge in macadamia nut abscission and rootstock biology, helping to develop innovative orchard management solutions that deliver tangible benefits to growers and the broader agricultural industry.
Key responsibilities will include, but not limited to:
Undertake research related to understanding the rootstock control of scion vigour, including molecular analysis and field trial work.
Undertake research related to understanding the timing of nut abscission in macadamia, including molecular analysis and field trial work.
Produce quality research outputs consistent with discipline norms by publishing or exhibiting in high quality outlets.
Contribute to the effective supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students (as appropriate).
Begin to develop external links and partnerships by cultivating relationships with industry, government departments and professional bodies.
This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.
About You
Completion of a PhD in horticultural genetics.
Experience in GWAS, molecular biology and tree crop physiology.
Experience in designing and managing field trials for horticultural tree crops.
An emerging profile in research in macadamia.
Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
Experience working independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams and alongside industry partners.
A valid driver’s license is required to travel to field sites
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. 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, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
Interested?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Lindsay Shaw [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.
When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume, cover letter, and responses to the ‘About You’ section.
Other Information
Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications. 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.
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. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.
Applications close Sunday 21 June 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-65195). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for week commencing 29th June 2026.
For more than a century, The University of Queensland (UQ) has created positive change for society by delivering knowledge leadership for a better world.
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Job Description:
Part-time (40%), fixed-term position through to July 2027
Base salary will be in the range $100,600 - $111,431 + 17% super (Academic Level A)
Based on the Sunshine Coast at our Nambour Campus
About This Opportunity
At The University of Queensland, you'll join a globally recognised research institution where innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact drive discovery. This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to develop their expertise and emerging research profile in macadamia science within the Centre for Horticultural Science at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI).
Based at the Maroochy Research Facility, with travel to UQ's St Lucia campus as required, you will contribute to the Hort Frontiers Genetics for Next Generation Orchards Program, delivering research that supports the future productivity and sustainability of the horticulture sector. Working alongside leading researchers and industry partners, you will advance knowledge in macadamia nut abscission and rootstock biology, helping to develop innovative orchard management solutions that deliver tangible benefits to growers and the broader agricultural industry.
Key responsibilities will include, but not limited to:
Undertake research related to understanding the rootstock control of scion vigour, including molecular analysis and field trial work.
Undertake research related to understanding the timing of nut abscission in macadamia, including molecular analysis and field trial work.
Produce quality research outputs consistent with discipline norms by publishing or exhibiting in high quality outlets.
Contribute to the effective supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students (as appropriate).
Begin to develop external links and partnerships by cultivating relationships with industry, government departments and professional bodies.
This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.
About You
Completion of a PhD in horticultural genetics.
Experience in GWAS, molecular biology and tree crop physiology.
Experience in designing and managing field trials for horticultural tree crops.
An emerging profile in research in macadamia.
Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
Experience working independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams and alongside industry partners.
A valid driver’s license is required to travel to field sites
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. 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, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
Interested?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Lindsay Shaw [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.
When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume, cover letter, and responses to the ‘About You’ section.
Other Information
Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications. 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.
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. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.
Applications close Sunday 21 June 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-65195). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for week commencing 29th June 2026.
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