"Principal Investigator"

Job Description:

• Integrity Unit
• Two full-time positions available: one permanent position and one fixed-term position for up to 12 months commencing on 5 January 2026
• Base salary will be in the range $115,645 - $129,654 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8)
• Based at the picturesque St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

Are you an experienced investigator with the expertise and judgement to handle complex and sensitive matters? This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in upholding the highest standards of integrity within one of Australia’s leading universities.

As Principal Investigator, you will lead and conduct investigations into serious misconduct and breaches of University policies involving employees, and occasionally students. This position is based within the Integrity Unit, and the role takes a University-wide approach to managing complex behavioural and conduct matters. The Principal Investigator will draw on expertise from across the University and externally to deliver fair, efficient, and effective outcomes tailored to each case.

In addition, the position plays a critical role in identifying and addressing systemic issues, contributing to the ongoing strengthening of the University’s integrity framework.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Lead complex investigations into serious and sensitive matters (such as corrupt conduct, sexual misconduct, fraud, financial matters, conflicts of interest, bullying and harassment), applying trauma-informed practices and ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Manage the full investigation lifecycle, including scoping, planning, evidence analysis, reporting, stakeholder management, and providing defensible recommendations to senior leaders.
• Assess and manage Public Interest Disclosures (PID) under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010, developing strategies, supporting staff, and ensuring the University meets its statutory obligations.
• Identify systemic issues and recommend prevention strategies, strengthening organisational integrity and contributing to the continuous improvement of the University’s integrity framework.
• Engage and advise key stakeholders across the University and with external bodies (e.g., CCC, QPS, Ombudsman), building collaborative relationships and providing expert guidance on complex integrity matters.

For a full copy of the position description, please contact talent@uq.edu.au

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. Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
• 17% superannuation contributions
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave
• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
• UQ Study for Staff
• On campus childcare options
• Affordable parking (from just $6.15 a day)
• Salary packaging options

About You

• Postgraduate qualifications in human resources, industrial relations, business, law or investigation fields or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training in the management of investigations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex investigations simultaneously, prioritise effectively, apply innovative investigative methodologies.
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgment and make strategic and tactical decisions with a high degree of autonomy, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing risk assessment and mitigation strategies related to misconduct investigations.
• Ability to engage with and influence a broad range of stakeholders, including providing strategic advice and guidance to senior leaders on complex ethical and integrity matters.
• Specialist knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and principles, including trauma-informed practices and procedural fairness.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build rapport, conduct interviews, and liaise sensitively with investigation participants to foster cooperation and gather information.
• Exceptional written communication skills, including the ability to prepare complex investigation reports and other documents, and a commitment to best practice service delivery.
• Strong technical skills, including the ability to quickly learn and navigate a diverse range of systems and tools to retrieve relevant information and evidence.