Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Research Officer in Estuarine Dynamics

• School of Civil Engineering – Faculty of EAIT
• Full-time (100%), fixed term until 5 November 2027
• Base salary will be in the range $83,698.91 - $111,431.10 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• Based at our St Lucia Campus - Brisbane

About This Opportunity

We are offering a unique opportunity to work on a research project in Estuarine dynamics with a focus on couple hydrodynamic and water quality modelling to improve the understanding of nutrient and sediment cycling in these systems with a view to enhancing sustainable management of water resources and aquatic ecosystems.

You will be working with multidisciplinary teams to support regulatory decisions on nutrient management and aquatic ecosystem protection in estuarine and marine systems. It also supports Environmental Engineering academics in improving research output and delivering key partnerships with the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation and the University of Western Australia.

Key responsibilities will include:

Research:

• Support research in estuarine water quality modelling, monitoring innovations, and ecosystem health across catchment-to-coastal systems. Collaborate with industry partners, including on-site engagement, and communicate project outcomes through reports, meetings, and presentations. Publish research, contribute to funding applications, and develop collaborative projects with colleagues and postgraduates. Assist with research administration, conduct remote fieldwork, and perform other duties as required.

Teaching:

• Assist senior academic staff deliver high quality teaching materials.

Supervision and Researcher Development:

• Contribute to supervision, mentoring and training of research staff and students at honours and postgraduate levels.

Citizenship and Service:

• Demonstrate behaviours aligned with UQ values and build strong relationships with industry, government, professional bodies, 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

• PhD (completed or near completion) in environmental engineering or a related field.
• Strong background in water quality or hydrodynamic modelling, with experience collaborating with external partners.
• Experience in collecting and analysing environmental water and water quality data.
• Proven expertise in water modelling (e.g. water quality, hydrodynamic, catchment, or ecosystem health management).
• Demonstrated research leadership, publication record, and ability to write high-quality scientific papers.
• Strong organisational, communication, and teamwork skills, with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

In support of our Indigenous employment strategy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. We value lived experience, community connection and diverse career pathways.

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 and qualifications check. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

Work Rights?

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 Associate Professor Badin Gibbes via b.gibbes@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 are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We are 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.

Applications close on Monday, 27 April 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-63445).