• Faculty of Science

• Fixed-Term for Four Years, Research Focused Academic Pathway

• Base salary will be in the range $80,448 - $133,381 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A or B)

• Positions are open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates only, as an equal opportunity measure (s105) to address current and historic under-representation

Acknowledgement of Country

The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ operates. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society.

About This Opportunity 

The Faculty of Science is seeking an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researcher to join our community of world-leading scientists through the Indigenous Academic Pathway Program.

This four-year program provides an individualised career development pathway within one of Australia’s leading science faculties. You will be embedded within a School aligned to your discipline, where you will receive structured mentorship, research support, cultural leave, and professional development to strengthen your academic trajectory.

The Faculty of Science is home to internationally recognised research across the biological, chemical, environmental, mathematical and physical sciences. Our researchers are addressing global challenges in climate and sustainability, biodiversity, health, quantum and advanced technologies, data science, and fundamental discovery research.

For more information about this opportunity, the Faculty of Science, and the potential schools within which you may work, please view the full Appointment Booklet.

What will I be doing in the role? 

The program offers two streams:

Pre-Doctoral (PhD Pathway – Academic Level A):

• Year 1: 95% predominantly focused on research/HDR studies, with remaining time allocated to citizenship/service.

• Years 2-4: 80-90% predominantly focused on research/HDR studies, with remaining time allocated to citizenship/service, and (if desired) teaching.

Post-Doctoral (Academic Pathway Academic Level A/B)

• Year 1-2: 90% predominantly focused on research/HDR studies, with remaining time allocated to citizenship/service, and (if desired) teaching.

• Years 3-4: 80-85% predominantly focused on research/HDR studies, with remaining time allocated to citizenship/service, and (if desired) teaching.

The successful candidate will be matched with a School which will be best placed to provide you with career support through training and mentorship in your related field of study, research or discipline.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

Our Commitment

UQ is committed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ learning, discovery and engagement. The University’s Strategic Plan outlines strategies aimed at increasing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, which are supported through the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy. Here in Australia, we especially want to play a leading role in reconciliation as advocates with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

At a national level, in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, we will embed reconciliation across the University’s operations to enact a ‘Stretch’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

What can I bring to the role?

As a research-focused academic in Science, you will be supported by senior researchers with the expectation of developing independence in research leadership.

Pre-Doctoral (PhD Pathway)

• A current UQ HDR student undertaking a PhD in a Science discipline or be eligible for enrolment in a UQ PhD program within a Science discipline.

• Demonstrated engagement in internal service, citizenship activities, or contributions to broader academic or community initiatives.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and establish a rapport and good working relationships with students, staff, and industry partners.

• Demonstrated contribution to, or potential to contribute to, competitive research funding applications.

Post-Doctoral (Academic Pathway)

• A PhD completed (or in the final stages of completion) in a Science discipline.

• A developing research profile, evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or presentations at academic conferences

• Demonstrated engagement in academic citizenship and/or service roles, with contributions to external or community activities.

• Experience in, or capacity to contribute to, the supervision of Honours and/or Research Higher Degree students.

• Demonstrated contribution to, or potential to contribute to, competitive research funding applications.

We welcome applicants across the full breadth of Science disciplines, including (but not limited to):

• Biological and environmental sciences

• Chemistry and molecular sciences

• Mathematics, statistics and data science

• Physics and advanced technologies

• Earth and sustainability sciences

Additional Criteria

The University of Queensland regards the positions for this Academic Pathway Program as an equal opportunity measure under section 105 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) and section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth). Positions are therefore only open to applicants who identify as Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

The successful candidate will be required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of additional pre-employment checks which will be based on the requirements of your unique position and research discipline, and may include education check, mandatory immunisations, as well as providing the necessary documentation to confirm the legal right to work in Australia. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity and for application enquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number in the subject line.

Interested? 

To express your interest, you must upload the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter outlining your suitability and discipline area

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.

Your cultural identity will be respected, valued, and embraced in this role.

Applications close Sunday, 26 April at 11.00pm AEST (R-62032).