Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Crop Quantitative Genetics

• Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation.
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years.
• Base salary will be in the range $85,373 to $113,660 + 17% super (Academic Level A).
• Based at our St Lucia Campus.

About This Opportunity

Join a visionary and collaborative research community as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Crop Quantitative Genetics. Working within UQ’s Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, you will develop and apply advanced quantitative genetics methods to improve genomic prediction of complex traits in soybean. As part of the UQ-led ARC Training Centre in Predictive Breeding for Agricultural Futures, you will work with BASF and other research partners to explore Genotype-by-Environment-by-Management interactions and help refine innovative quantitative genetics methodologies for predictive breeding.

Key Responsibilities Will Include, But Not Limited To

• Research: Conduct univariate and multivariate statistical analyses of large, multidimensional crop datasets incorporating trait phenotypes, environmental descriptors and genomic information to investigate Genotype-by-Environment-by-Management interactions.
• Develop and apply mixed-model statistical methodology, including genomic prediction, crop simulation and machine learning, to improve prediction of crop yield and related traits.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Assist with mentoring students, publish scholarly research and contribute to the development of collaborative relationships with industry, government, professional bodies and the wider community.
• Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate UQ values through purposeful collaboration, contribute to service and administrative activities, support colleagues and participate actively in priority activities across QAAFI and the ARC Training Centre.

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 Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, Crop Genomics or a closely related field.
• An emerging research profile in quantitative genetics, predictive breeding, plant breeding or crop genomics.
• Demonstrated capability in the statistical analysis of large, multidimensional agricultural, genomic or environmental datasets.
• Experience with mixed models, genomic prediction, crop simulation, machine learning, hierarchical modelling or related quantitative methodologies.
• Evidence of publishing research in reputable refereed journals and communicating findings at conferences or other scholarly forums.
• Evidence of contributing to external research funding applications or other mechanisms that support collaborative research.
• The ability to work inclusively and effectively with researchers, students, industry partners and other research end users.
• A developing record of internal service, external engagement or contributions to collaborative academic and research activities.

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.

UQ researchers are creating purposeful change across agriculture by combining crop science, genetics and collaboration with growers. In 2025, UQ announced the development of five new pigeonpea varieties to support the wider adoption of this legume in Australia. Read more about UQ’s pioneering legume varieties for Australian growers.

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 Melanie Wilkinson at [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. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include verification of qualifications and the right to work in Australia. 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, however upfront costs will still be expected to be covered. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State.

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 [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close 28 October at 11.00pm AEST (R-68155).