Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Plastic Chemicals and Human Health

Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences
Full-time, fixed-term position through to 31 December 2028
Base salary will range from $85,372 – $113,659 (Academic Level A) + 17% Superannuation
Based at our Dutton Park campus
About This Opportunity
Supported by research funded by the Minderoo Foundation, this is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the world-class, multidisciplinary team at our Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences.
Working with project lead Dr Xianyu (Fisher) Wang, you will investigate key exposure sources and measure plastic additive chemicals in human matrices. You will conduct independent research across environmental and analytical chemistry, build an emerging research profile, support and supervise students, contribute to service and engagement activities, and collaborate with experts who are advancing knowledge of plastics and human health.
Key responsibilities will include:
Research: Lead or co-lead analytical method development, validation and application for measuring plastic additive chemicals in human and other complex matrices, while producing quality research outputs and publications.
Research funding, translation and impact: Contribute to competitive funding applications, collaborative research projects and the translation of knowledge, technologies and practices to research end users.
Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the effective supervision and development of research support staff, Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, providing constructive feedback, training and professional development.
Citizenship and Service: Participate in internal and external service activities and develop links and partnerships with industry, government, professional bodies and the wider community.
This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.
About You
Completion, or near completion, of a PhD in environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental health, toxicology or a related discipline, with relevant research experience.
Strong laboratory capabilities and demonstrated experience in trace organic chemical analysis of complex matrices, including human body fluids or tissues.
Demonstrated experience operating and troubleshooting LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS instrumentation, and/or LC-MS QToF or GC-HRMS instrumentation.
Knowledge of analytical method development, validation and application for trace-level chemical analysis.
An emerging research profile in environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry or a closely related field.
Evidence of publications in respected refereed journals and presenting findings at conferences.
Evidence of contributing to applications for external research funding or other mechanisms of research support.
The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment and contribute to student supervision, service activities and external engagement.
About the Team
The Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences is committed to multidisciplinary research across environmental toxicology, epidemiology, microbiology, health risk assessment, risk communication and advanced monitoring of environmental hazards and exposures. Through the Minderoo Centre – Plastics and Human Health, researchers are developing methods to accurately sample and measure plastic chemicals and particles in humans, bringing together expertise in environmental health, toxicology, epidemiology and more to advance our understanding of the health outcomes associated with exposure to plastics.
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, 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, 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 Dr Xianyu (Fisher) Wang at x.wang18@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-70079.
When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter including responses to the ‘About You’ selection criteria above. Please note that applications received via email cannot be accepted.
Other Information
Pre-employment checks will include verification of your qualifications and mandatory immunisations. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
We encourage all applications, both domestic and international. For those relocating to Brisbane, we may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights (subject to candidate eligibility) and relocation support for which you may seek reimbursement (upfront costs will need to be covered). You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.
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 criterion 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 Sunday 8 November at 11.00pm AEST (Job Reference Number: R-70079).