PhD Position in Molecular Bioscience University of Queensland Australia
The University of Queensland Location: St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Australia Applications close: Monday, 5 January 2026 at 11:00pm AEST (Job Reference: R-55777)
Join Australia’s #1 Research Institute
Be part of a university ranked in the world’s top 50
Contribute to world-leading research with global health impact
Based at the St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Australia
About The University of Queensland (UQ)
Since its founding in 1909, The University of Queensland (UQ) has grown into one of the world’s premier research and teaching institutions. With a global reputation for excellence, UQ’s mission is to deliver positive change through knowledge, discovery, and innovation. Our world-class teachers and researchers are tackling some of the planet’s greatest challenges, empowering the next generation of thinkers and leaders.
UQ is proud of its commitment to inclusion, diversity, and access — ensuring that every individual, regardless of background, can pursue their ambitions here.
About the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB)
For 25 years, the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) has been Australia’s leading powerhouse of bioscience research — uniting more than 500 scientists and innovators driven by one vision: a world free of disease.
From cancer and diabetes to antimicrobial resistance and chronic pain, IMB researchers explore life at its most fundamental level — from genetics and cell biology to chemistry, drug discovery, and data science. Our research translates discovery into impact, having produced 25 spin-out companies, including:
Protagonist Therapeutics (valued at $6.3 billion)
Inflazome Ltd (acquired by Roche for $600 million)
Infensa Bioscience (developing the world’s first cardioprotective drug)
IMB invites expressions of interest from exceptional scientists to join as Group Leaders in the following levels:
Senior Research Fellow (Level C; Assistant Professor)
Senior Principal Research Fellow (Level D; Associate Professor)
Professorial Research Fellow (Level E; Professor)
Group Leaders will join one of four world-class research centres and help shape IMB’s next chapter of discovery and innovation.
Our Four Research Centres
Centre for Population and Disease Genomics Focuses on genomics and precision medicine, developing computational methods for large-scale data analysis.
Centre for Cell Biology of Chronic Disease Explores cellular mechanisms of health and disease to inform new therapeutic approaches.
Centre for Superbug Solutions Advances infection biology, antimicrobial discovery, and diagnostics for resistant pathogens.
Centre for Chemistry and Drug Discovery Integrates chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and structural biology to develop new medicines.
Key Responsibilities
Research
Lead a high-calibre, internationally competitive research program.
Secure and manage significant research funding.
Produce impactful research outcomes and publications in leading journals.
Build collaborative national and international partnerships.
Translate findings into innovation, IP, and societal benefit.
Teaching and Supervision
Supervise and mentor Higher Degree by Research (HDR) and Honours students.
Engage in postgraduate teaching and contribute to UQ’s academic mission.
Promote responsible research conduct and researcher development.
Service and Leadership
Demonstrate leadership aligned with UQ’s values and commitment to equity.
Contribute to internal committees and external collaborations.
Engage with industry, government, and the wider community through outreach and partnerships.
About You
Essential Criteria (all levels)
PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
Recognised research expertise with a record of high-impact publications.
Proven success in securing competitive research funding.
Demonstrated excellence in mentoring and supervising students.
Strong communication and leadership skills within multidisciplinary teams.
Additional Criteria for Level D (Associate Professor)
Sustained record of research achievement and impact.
International recognition and invited conference presentations.
Demonstrated leadership in research and external engagement.
Excellent record of research funding and collaboration.
Additional Criteria for Level E (Professor)
International reputation for research leadership and innovation.
Outstanding publication and funding record.
Proven ability to lead strategic research initiatives and large teams.
Significant leadership roles at national and international levels.
Why Join UQ
When you join UQ, you become part of a global community with access to:
Visa sponsorship and relocation support
26 weeks paid parental leave and 17.5% leave loading
Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid options
Career progression opportunities via academic promotion pathways
Membership in Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities
How to Apply
To apply, please:
Create a profile and submit your application via UQ Careers
Upload the following documents:
Resume
Cover Letter addressing “About You” section
For a confidential discussion, contact Professor Ian Henderson, Institute Director, at director@imb.uq.edu.au.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
UQ values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment. We encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Accessibility and adjustment requests can be directed to talent@uq.edu.au.
Applications close: Monday, 5 January 2026 at 11:00pm AEST Reference: R-55777 Location: St Lucia Campus, The University of Queensland
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