Research Technician - Crop Biotechnology

• Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation 
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position up until 30 November 2029
• Full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range $97,268 - $104,348 + 17% super (HEW Level 6).

• Based at our St Lucia campus location 

Join a collaborative crop biotechnology research environment supporting the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Strategic Sorghum Alliance and the Better Sorghums project. As a Senior Research Technician, you will contribute to research aimed at improving the nutritional quality of sorghum for animal feeds and human foods. Working alongside postdoctoral researchers and the broader sorghum biotechnology team, you will play a hands-on role in delivering innovative crop research while sharing your expertise and continuing to develop your technical skills.

• →Undertake advanced crop gene editing research, including plant tissue culture, genetic transformation and phenotyping of gene-edited plants in glasshouse or field conditions.
• →Set up, monitor and demonstrate experiments and equipment use, maintain accurate research records and contribute to the development of research and analytical protocols.
• →Maintain high standards of laboratory practice, including equipment maintenance, research housekeeping, sample and chemical management, waste disposal, safety and compliance with approved ethics protocols.
• →Contribute to research outputs and collaborative reports and manuscripts, while supporting the development of early-career research engineers, scientists and technicians.

• A relevant degree in plant science, biotechnology, genetics or molecular biology, together with subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated research knowledge and technical expertise in plant biology and molecular biology.
• Hands-on expertise in plant tissue culture and gene editing, including experience working in a plant tissue culture laboratory.
• Significant experience contributing to crop biotechnology projects with defined delivery milestones.
• Advanced technical capability in plant genetic transformation and detailed phenotyping of plants under glasshouse or field conditions. Experience in cereal phenotyping would be highly regarded.
• Knowledge of relevant research and scientific safety requirements and procedures, including quarantine, waste disposal, labelling and risk assessment.
• Well-developed problem-solving and organisational skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise competing tasks and meet deadlines, both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to produce clear documentation and collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders in a research environment.

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.

Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, flexible working options, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on-campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Ian Godwin, i.godwin@uq.edu.au, or Dr Peter Crisp, p.crisp@uq.edu.au. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, professional registration (e.g. AHPRA), criminal history checks, mandatory immunisations, First Aid and/or CPR certification, and Blue Card checks. 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 talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close Thursday 26 November 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-70242). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Monday 7 December.