"Postdoctoral Research Fellow"

Job Description:

• UQ Business School within the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
• Part-time (60%), fixed-term position for up to 15 months
• Base salary will be in the range $83,698.91 - $111,431.10 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
• Based at our vibrant St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to further develop their scholarly expertise and establish a distinctive research profile, with a particular focus on Green Energy Investment and Trade in Asia. The role will suit a candidate with strong data analytical capabilities, demonstrated knowledge of trade and investment, and expertise in energy finance and systems, particularly in the context of China’s green energy engagement in the region such as solar and EV manufacturing.

Key responsibilities will include:

1. Research

• Lead and contribute to research on green energy investment and trade (e.g., solar PV or EV manufacturing, solar PV and EV trade), in Asia, including data collection and analysis of trade, policy, and investment databases.
• Analyse trends, identify drivers, and model scenarios for green energy transitions in Asian economies (e.g., green energy/green tech localization and trade policies).
• Produce high-quality publications and contribute to joint research projects and competitive funding applications.
• Translate research into practical outcomes, including commercialisation of UQ intellectual property.
• Apply best practice methodologies and leverage Chinese language skills to access primary data sources.

2. Supervision and Researcher Development

• Contribute to supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, providing coaching, feedback, and professional development.
• Support the development and management of research support staff in line with University policies.
• Address conflicts or grievances promptly and professionally.

3. Citizenship and Service

• Demonstrate UQ-aligned citizenship behaviours and leadership through collaboration and participation in priority activities.
• Support internal academic and administrative functions, including committee service and decision-making.
• Build external links with industry, government, professional bodies, and the wider community.

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

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.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

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 including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in Economics, Finance, Environmental Studies, or a related discipline (awarded within the last three years; candidates who have submitted their thesis are encouraged to apply).
• Demonstrated research experience in energy-related investment and trade, with an emerging track record of academic and policy-focused publications.
• Advanced skills in trade and investment data analysis, as well as trade policy analyses, including collecting, cleaning, and analysing complex datasets using statistical methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise policy briefs and high-quality academic papers.
• In-depth knowledge of green energy finance and trade policy, particularly in the Asian context.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and collaborate as part of a research team.

Desirable:

• Proficiency in written and spoken Chinese.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which 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. Interstate applicants may be considered for the right candidate, with flexible work arrangements possible.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Industry Professor, Christoph Nedopil via email c.nedopil@business.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.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Responses to the ‘About You’ section

Our strength 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, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

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.

Applications close Friday 3rd April at 11.00pm AEST (R-62815), however this date may be extended if needed.