Research Fellow in Health Sciences (University of Queensland)

About These Opportunities We are seeking multiple Postdoctoral Research Fellows to join our world-class research team at Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS). Supported by research funded by the Minderoo Foundation, successful applicants will support a range of projects aimed at understanding key exposure sources, measuring microplastics, nanoplastics and plastic additive chemicals in human matrices, and developing and validating advanced analytical methods for the detection, identification, and quantification of oligomers in various human matrices. Each role focuses on a distinct, yet interconnected project aimed at advancing analytical methods and understanding key exposure sources. We are seeking three highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Research Fellows to join our team for these three exciting projects: 1. Plastic Additive Chemicals in Human Matrices – Working with project lead Dr Xianyu (Fisher) Wang, this project aims to understand key exposure sources and measure plastic additive chemicals in human matrices. The ideal candidate will have expertise in trace organic chemical analysis of complex biological matrices and extensive experience with LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, GC-HRMS, and/or LC-MS QToF instrumentation. This position is being offered at Academic Level A only. 2. Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Human Matrices – Working with project lead Dr Cassandra Rauert, this project aims to understand key exposure sources and measure microplastics and nanoplastics in human matrices. The successful applicant will demonstrate experience in monitoring microplastics and/or nanoplastics in complex matrices or have relevant experience in human biomonitoring of trace organic chemicals in biological samples. They are expected to possess strong skills in method development, operation, and troubleshooting of Pyrolysis-GCMS, LC-MS/MS or other relevant instruments. This position is being offered at Academic Level A only. 3. Analytical Methods for Oligomer Detection – Working with project lead, Professor Kevin Thomas, this project aims to develop and validate advanced analytical methods for the detection, identification, and quantification of oligomers in various human matrices. Oligomers, which are short chains of connected monomers, are by-products of polymer production and intermediates of polymer degradation. Despite their potential health impacts, exposure to oligomers has not been extensively studied. This project will address this gap by creating robust analytical protocols to better identify key exposure sources and understand human exposure to oligomers. This position is being offered at Academic Level A or B commensurate with the successful candidate’s skills and experience. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Level A) or Research Fellow (Level B), you will conduct independent research within the main fields of activity above and also supervise students engaged in these activities. We encourage applications from across Australia and overseas. Subject to individual eligibility, we may support successful applicants with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here. *For further information, please view the full appointment booklet.* If you are unable to access this link, please email talent@uq.edu.au for a copy of the booklet. Questions?  For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Kevin Thomas, QAEHS Centre Director, at qaehs.director@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. Want to Apply?  All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered: Resume Cover letter addressing the relevant ‘About You’ section found within the appointment booklet above Applicants should specifically address in your cover letter which position you are applying for based on project preference (project 1 and/or 2 and/or 3). If you are applying for project 3, please also identify which academic level you are applying for (Level A or B). 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 talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments. Applications close Friday 14 March 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (Job Reference Number: R-47973). If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Medicinoxy

About These Opportunities

We are seeking multiple Postdoctoral Research Fellows to join our world-class research team at Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS).

Supported by research funded by the Minderoo Foundation, successful applicants will support a range of projects aimed at understanding key exposure sources, measuring microplastics, nanoplastics and plastic additive chemicals in human matrices, and developing and validating advanced analytical methods for the detection, identification, and quantification of oligomers in various human matrices.

Each role focuses on a distinct, yet interconnected project aimed at advancing analytical methods and understanding key exposure sources. We are seeking three highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Research Fellows to join our team for these three exciting projects:

1. Plastic Additive Chemicals in Human Matrices – Working with project lead Dr Xianyu (Fisher) Wang, this project aims to understand key exposure sources and measure plastic additive chemicals in human matrices. The ideal candidate will have expertise in trace organic chemical analysis of complex biological matrices and extensive experience with LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, GC-HRMS, and/or LC-MS QToF instrumentation. This position is being offered at Academic Level A only.

2. Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Human Matrices – Working with project lead Dr Cassandra Rauert, this project aims to understand key exposure sources and measure microplastics and nanoplastics in human matrices. The successful applicant will demonstrate experience in monitoring microplastics and/or nanoplastics in complex matrices or have relevant experience in human biomonitoring of trace organic chemicals in biological samples. They are expected to possess strong skills in method development, operation, and troubleshooting of Pyrolysis-GCMS, LC-MS/MS or other relevant instruments. This position is being offered at Academic Level A only.

3. Analytical Methods for Oligomer Detection – Working with project lead, Professor Kevin Thomas, this project aims to develop and validate advanced analytical methods for the detection, identification, and quantification of oligomers in various human matrices. Oligomers, which are short chains of connected monomers, are by-products of polymer production and intermediates of polymer degradation. Despite their potential health impacts, exposure to oligomers has not been extensively studied. This project will address this gap by creating robust analytical protocols to better identify key exposure sources and understand human exposure to oligomers. This position is being offered at Academic Level A or B commensurate with the successful candidate’s skills and experience.

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Level A) or Research Fellow (Level B), you will conduct independent research within the main fields of activity above and also supervise students engaged in these activities.

We encourage applications from across Australia and overseas. Subject to individual eligibility, we may support successful applicants with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.

For further information, please view the full appointment booklet. If you are unable to access this link, please email talent@uq.edu.au for a copy of the booklet.

Questions? 
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Kevin Thomas, QAEHS Centre Director, at qaehs.director@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.

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

Resume

Cover letter addressing the relevant ‘About You’ section found within the appointment booklet above

Applicants should specifically address in your cover letter which position you are applying for based on project preference (project 1 and/or 2 and/or 3). If you are applying for project 3, please also identify which academic level you are applying for (Level A or B).

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 talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close Friday 14 March 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (Job Reference Number: R-47973).

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Medicinoxy

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