Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Magmatic Fertility of Porphyry Copper Deposits
About This Opportunity
Join The University of Queensland as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at tracking magmatic processes associated with mineralisation in porphyry copper deposits. In this role, you will develop and apply machine-learning models to predict mineralisation using accessory minerals such as zircon and apatite, with a particular focus on integrating insights from plutonic, volcanic and sedimentary (detrital) records. This position offers an exciting opportunity to build your expertise within a high-impact and globally relevant field of geoscience research.
You will join the vibrant magmatic petrology research team led by Associate Professor Teresa Ubide, contributing to the ARC Discovery Project “Finding critical copper beneath volcanoes,” in collaboration with leading researchers across UQ and The Australian National University. Based within the School of the Environment, you will have access to state-of-the-art analytical facilities at the Centre for Geoanalytical Mass Spectrometry and ANU-RSES, as well as a strong national and international collaborative network. The role also includes opportunities to support PhD student training and supervision, while contributing to service and engagement activities within a dynamic and supportive research environment.
Key responsibilities will include, but not limited to:
- Research: Develop an emerging research profile through the delivery of high-quality research outputs, publication in leading outlets, and the application of best-practice research methodologies to advance a coherent research program.
- Contribute to collaborative research initiatives and competitive funding applications, supporting joint project development and the translation of research outcomes into end-user impact, including commercialisation opportunities where relevant.
- Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the supervision and development of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, supporting researcher capability and professional growth.
- Provide effective supervision and leadership to supervisees and research staff, including coaching, feedback, performance development and management in line with University policies and procedures, and resolving issues as they arise.
- Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate collaborative leadership and strong citizenship aligned with UQ values through active contribution to unit priorities, service and committee activities, operational support, and the development of internal and external partnerships across industry, government and the broader community.
This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.
About You
- Completed or near-completion of a PhD in Earth Sciences, with specialisation in geochemistry, petrology or economic geology.
- Emerging research profile demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and active engagement in disciplinary research.
- Strong interest and/or experience in elemental and isotopic microanalysis, particularly of accessory minerals, including in-situ geochemical techniques and data interpretation.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within research teams, with effective time management and delivery against deadlines.
- Experience engaging with academic, industry and/or government collaborators to support research impact and knowledge exchange.
- Practical experience with key analytical instruments (e.g. EPMA/SEM, LA-Q-ICP-MS, LA-MC-ICP-MS, SHRIMP) and associated geochemical workflows.
- Desired exposure to advanced analytical or modelling approaches, including machine-learning applications, thermodynamic modelling, and/or assessment of magmatic copper fertility.
- Desired capability in field-based geology including detrital sampling.
- Desired contributions to grant applications, service activities and broader research engagement.
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, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged. As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.
The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
Interested?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Teresa Ubide t.ubide@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.
When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume, cover letter, and responses to the ‘About You’ section.
Other Information
Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
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.
Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.
We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.
Applications close 26th July 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-63956). Interviews are tentatively scheduled for mid-August 2026.
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