Research Fellow - Reef Catchments Science Partnership

About This Opportunity

Join the Reef Catchments Science Partnership (RCSP) – a unique collaboration between UQ and the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) – working at the intersection of science, policy, and real-world impact to improve water quality and protect the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll be part of a purpose-driven team delivering cutting-edge research, partnering with government, industry, and communities, and helping shape sustainable solutions for Queensland’s ecosystems.

Through RCSP and the Catchment Water Quality Alliance (CWQA), you’ll collaborate with leading institutions, including UQ, DETSI, and James Cook University’s TropWATER, contributing to innovative programs in water quality monitoring, compliance, and data-driven environmental management.

As a Principal Research Leader (Research Fellow), you will provide day-to-day leadership of the RCSP team, drive high-quality research, and build your national research profile. You’ll also supervise Honours and HDR students, contribute to impactful projects, and play a key role in translating research into outcomes that support healthier waterways and resilient ecosystems.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Teaching: Deliver high-quality teaching and continuously improve curriculum and student outcomes through feedback and innovation.
• Research: Lead and contribute to impactful research, including publishing, securing funding, and developing collaborative research programs.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise and mentor Honours and HDR students, while effectively managing and developing staff across the employee lifecycle.
• Citizenship and Service: Build strong partnerships, contribute to academic service and administration, and demonstrate leadership aligned with UQ values.

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

About You

• PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., environmental science, hydrology, environmental engineering, pollutant modelling, or environmental risk assessment).
• Demonstrated expertise in environmental risk assessment of waterway contaminants, with experience in nutrients and/or sediments and/or pesticides highly desirable (experience in other water quality parameters also considered).
• Emerging research profile with a developing track record of publications, conference presentations, and success in seeking, obtaining, and managing research funding.
• Experience in leading or contributing to research projects, with the ability to apply interdisciplinary approaches (e.g., modelling, environmental risk assessment, water quality).
• Experience in teaching, supervision, and mentoring of Honours and HDR students.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders, including contributions to service, industry, or government collaborations.

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 (15 pages maximum)
• Cover letter
• Responses to the ‘About You’ section (3 pages maximum)

Applications close Sunday 12th of April 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-62498).