Senior Research Technician - Food Technology

University of Queensland
February 10, 2025
Contact:N/A
Offerd Salary:$78,944
Location:N/A
Working address:N/A
Contract Type:fixed-term position
Working Time:Full time
Working type:N/A
Ref info:N/A
  • Food and Beverage Accelerator Program: Based at Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Technology (QAAFI)
  • Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years
  • Base salary will be in the range $78,944.40 - $87,750.37 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 5)
  • Based at our Long Pocket Indooroopilly site
  • About This Opportunity

    In this role, you will support world leading research on Food and Beverage Technology in supporting development of premium foods and beverages. The position is with the Centre for Nutrition and Food Science of Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI). As a Research Assistant, you will assist the New Product Development team in delivering successful outcomes to the trailblazer funded Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA), which is an initiative designed to boost impactful outcomes and growth within the Australian food and beverage sectors. You will apply your technical expertise to support researchers and industry to develop new products and innovative processes, interpret food regulations, and evaluate food safety and quality of premium food products and ingredients.

    Key responsibilities will include:

  • Assist in the coordination of aspects of new product development, formulation, lab-scale manufacture or pilot scale production of food and beverage products or ingredients for testing
  • Assist in the design of research studies and engagement with industry partners, under supervision of senior staff
  • Apply and/or instruct others on the application of advanced or specialist or technical research skills or processes, including advising on food regulatory requirements, food processing technologies, new product development and formulation, testing of food and beverage products and ingredients (physical, composition and safety aspects), and sensory evaluation.
  • Assist in the conduct of major or complex experiments, tasks or programs as directed
  • Troubleshoot issues with scientific and technical equipment
  • Undertake maintenance and upkeep of facilities and equipment
  • Safety

  • Contribute to the safe and efficient operation of research equipment, infrastructure, methodologies and protocols
  • Ensure the appropriate storage, handling and disposal of chemicals, equipment, stores and/or samples/specimens
  • Research and administrative support

  • Assist with drafting research documentation, including ethics and funding applications
  • Undertake literature searches and reviews
  • Assist with routine team administration
  • Assist with preparing reports, graphs, figures and presentations on research outcomes at different stages of the research cycle outcomes

  • Any other duties as reasonably directed by your supervisor

  • About the FaBA initiative

    Australia's Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) is a $160 million initiative to boost growth and innovation in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. Part of the Federal Government's Trailblazer Program, FaBA leverages $50m of government investment with more than $110m from universities and industry. Partners work across four areas: the research programs ‘Innovative Ingredients' and ‘Premium Food and Beverage Products', and the enabling programs ‘Innovation Pathways' and the ‘FaBA Training Centre'.

    A national initiative, FaBA provides F&B manufacturers access to research teams, next generation industry professionals, state-of-the-art equipment and pilot facilities. FaBA is proudly hosted by The University of Queensland, in collaboration with participants QUT, UniSQ and UniQuest.

    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.

    Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

    Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

  • 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
  • 17% superannuation contributions
  • 17.5% annual leave loading
  • Access to flexible working arrangements
  • Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
  • UQ Study for Staff
  • On campus childcare options
  • Affordable parking (from just $5.75 a day)
  • Salary packaging options
  • About You
  • Completion of a degree level qualification in Science, Food Science and Technology, Food Engineering or equivalent; or completion of a Diploma with relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
  • Excellent practical research skills and experience in relevant research methodology or techniques required for this body of research
  • Experience in new product development and product/ingredient formulation
  • Experience with alcoholic beverages and/or oats will be considered favourably
  • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently on routine procedures
  • Well-organised, methodical and self-motivated
  • Previous experience in a similar role would be considered favourably
  • Commitment to excellence and an ability to work diligently with a high level of accuracy
  • The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre- employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check etc.

    Work Rights:

    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 Theresia Konrad- [email protected] For application queries, please contact [email protected] stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

    Want to Apply?

    All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

  • Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You' section
  • Resume
  • 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.

    We know one of our strengths 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. Reach out to [email protected] for accessibility support or adjustments.

    Applications close 10 February 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-45603). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for mid-February.

    From this employer

    Recent blogs

    Recent news