"Industry Chair Opportunities – AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures"

Industry Chair Opportunities – AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures

Australian Forest and Wood Innovations Centre for Sustainable Futures

Level D $168,933- $186,045 or Level E $217,414 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation

Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 5 years

The Opportunities

The AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures at the University of the Sunshine Coast is part of the national Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) network, supporting research and innovation in Australia’s forest and wood products sector. The Centre works alongside industry, government, and academic partners to advance sustainable forestry, maximise wood fibre use, and deliver climate-smart solutions. AFWICSF focuses on forest health and productivity, value-added products, supply chain efficiency, and integrated innovation, contributing to the national goal of growing a resilient, future-focused forest and wood products industry.

For more information, please visit us online: AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures

To learn more about the role, please visit our candidate information page

We are recruiting for two separate Industry Chair positions:

Industry Chair Advanced Engineered and Composite Wood Products

Lead research that maximises timber resources, turning residues and underutilised fibre into high-quality, sustainable products for the built environment. Explore ways to enhance engineered wood, support carbon-friendly building solutions, and integrate digital tools to improve efficiency and reuse. Collaborate with industry and research partners to translate innovation into practical solutions that strengthen local capability and sustainable construction. This role will link to Programs 1 and 3 of the AFWI Vision, supporting the growth of Australia’s wood basket through improved utilisation of current resources and the development of innovative, carbon-friendly timber products.

Position description: 493929_position description.pdf

Learn more and apply here: https://careers.usc.edu.au/jobs/493929

Industry Chair System-Based Thinking and AI Integration for Increased Timber Production

Drive innovation across forestry and timber production using system-based thinking and AI to optimise productivity, sustainability, and value. Apply digital technologies to improve timber processing, resource recovery, and supply chain efficiency. Support new plantations and integrated land-use systems while building strong partnerships with industry and First Nations communities. This role will link to Programs 1, 2, and 3 of the AFWI Vision, supporting the growth and expansion of Australia’s wood basket through improved resource utilisation, innovative land management and afforestation strategies, and the development of carbon-friendly timber products.

Position description: 493928_position description.pdf

Learn more and apply here: https://careers.usc.edu.au/jobs/493928

As an Industry Chair you will:

• build national recognition through research that makes a meaningful contribution to your discipline across Australia;
• provide leadership and mentorship to researchers, supporting projects with national impact;
• collaborate with external partners to deliver outcomes that strengthen the University’s reputation and benefit regional communities; and
• play an active role in advancing your discipline and contributing to the broader academic community.

As a Level E, you will also:

• be recognised internationally as a leading expert, with research of global significance, including commercialisation, IP impact, and high citation influence;
• provide strategic leadership in teaching and scholarship, shaping policy, practice, and curriculum with international reach;
• lead high-impact engagement with industry, government, and communities, delivering outcomes that bring prestige and broader socio-economic, cultural, or environmental benefits; and
• contribute at the highest level to University governance and capacity-building, fostering excellence across academic and professional programs.

About you:

We seek accomplished academics with clarity, purpose, and influence in their research. You will shape a thoughtful research agenda, lead significant projects, and communicate outcomes that strengthen your discipline and UniSC’s profile. You will mentor HDR candidates and early career researchers, and work confidently with industry, government, and community partners.

To be successful you will possess:

• A doctoral qualification in a relevant field, with substantial experience as an academic leader of national or international standing.
• A well-defined research program with measurable impact in your area of expertise.
• Experience supervising HDR candidates and contributing to research reputation nationally and internationally.
• Demonstrated ability to translate research into practical, industry-ready outcomes.

As a Level E, you will also possess:

• International recognition as a leading authority in the field, with a strong record of academic leadership and formative disciplinary impact.
• Significant leadership contributions that build research capacity and strengthen research culture at University, national and international levels.

Application process

Applications for this position close midnight, Tuesday 6 January 2026

A complete application includes a resume, cover letter, and a response to selection criteria. Noting that within the application form, you will be required to submit a statement addressing each of the selection criteria contained within the position description.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context.

As a university attracting talent from across the globe, UniSC also offers sponsorship opportunities for international candidates. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Have questions or want to know more?

For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Professor Mark Brown
Director, Forest Research Institute and AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures
Telephone: 07 5459 4483
Email: mbrown2@usc.edu.au