About This Opportunity
We are seeking a Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow (Academic Level B/C, Research-Focused) to join Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), to play a central role in the Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance (QDA) and strengthen quantum technologies research in AIBN and at UQ.
You will have research expertise in the use of computational chemistry and software development, with the capacity to apply these methods to research questions related to decarbonisation, and the motivation to determine how quantum computing can advance this area. You will be based in an established team of experts in computational molecular and materials science within the AIBN and will be lead the AIBN's participation in the QDA.
You will lead world-class research in computational science for decarbonization with the goal of utilizing quantum computing to advance this area, producing high quality publications and research impact, working with research teams in AIBN and with QDA, supervision of postgraduate students and demonstrating citizenship behaviours that align to the UQ values.
You will also have the opportunity to engage with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide (GetCO2) and/or the ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC) which are both administered by UQ.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Research: Develop 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 Higher Degree by Research 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.
This position will be offered at Academic Level B or C, commensurate with experience. For further detailed information on duties and requirements for this role, please click here to view the information booklet.
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 of a PhD in a related field with a research track record related to quantum computing, quantum chemistry, condensed matter physics, and/or molecular dynamics simulation.
- Ability to work well in a multi-disciplinary team and to contribute to development of a collaborative and supportive research environment.
- Excellent communication skills
- Demonstrated expertise in several of the following:
- Developing and using methods for computational chemistry/condensed matter physics
- Development of quantum algorithms
- Application of computational chemistry in applications related to decarbonisation
- Understanding technological and computational challenges associated with decarbonization.
- Awareness of opportunities that quantum computing could provide for decarbonisation
At Academic Level B, you will also have
- Demonstrated competence in generating meaningful research outcomes that have led to publications in reputed refereed journals and presentations at international conferences.
- Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.
- A growing record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students.
- Evidence of effective performance of internal service roles in conjunction with active contributions to external activities.
At Academic Level C, you will also have
- An outstanding international research profile as evidenced through publications in high-quality refereed journals and international conferences
- A track record of seeking, obtaining, and managing external research funding.
- Evidence of a high level of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students.
- Demonstrated leadership and strong contributions in internal and external service roles.
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, criminal history checks, 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.
Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Debra Bernhardt at d.bernhardt@uq.edu.au.
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (R-59576) in the subject line.
Want to Apply?
To submit an application for this role, go to the UQ Careers portal and use the Apply button.
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, 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 talent@uq.edu.au.
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 21 February 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-59576). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for late February/early March.
