Food Industry Positions Available and Wanted

New Product Development Officer (Senior Research Technician), BRISBANE, UQ

• 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 

As a New Product Development Officer (Senior Research Technician), you will execute and support world-leading innovation of new food products and beverages under the trailblazer funded Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA). FaBA is an initiative designed to boost impactful outcomes and growth within the Australian food and beverage sectors, and as such your input will be transformative to the industry. The role resides at the Centre for Nutrition and Food Science within the Queensland Alliance of Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI).

Key responsibilities will include: 

• To participate/assist with the coordination and execution of various new product development initiatives across several product categories within food and beverages (including formulation, lab-scale manufacture or pilot-scale production, ingredient manufacture)
• To assist with the design of experiments and research studies, as well as engage with industry partners alongside senior staff
• To apply and/or instruct others on the application of advanced or specialist or technical 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.
• To assist in the conduct of major or complex experiments, tasks or programs as directed
• To troubleshoot issues with technical/scientific equipment
• To undertake maintenance and upkeep of facilities and equipment

Safety

• To contribute to the safe and efficient operation of research equipment, infrastructure, methodologies and protocols
• To ensure the appropriate storage, handling and disposal of chemicals, equipment, stores and/or samples/specimens

Research and administrative support

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

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
• Free on-site parking (Long Pocket Campus)
• 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.
• Demonstrated experience in new product development and formulation across various food and/or beverage applications, including commercialisation. Product experience in oats and/or grains will be considered favourably.
• Proven technical expertise in supporting industry and research through the development of new products and innovative processes; interpreting food regulations; and evaluating food safety and quality of premium food products and ingredients.
• Commitment to excellence and the ability to work diligently with a high level of accuracy.
• 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.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check and others as required.

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 at t.konrad@uq.edu.au For application queries, please contact 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:

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

Applications close Sunday 25th May 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-45603). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for late-May 2025.

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