Research Fellow – Reef Catchments Science Partnership Full-time

Principal Research Leader (Research Fellow)

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:

• Deliver high-quality teaching and continuously improve curriculum and student outcomes through feedback and innovation.
• Lead and contribute to impactful research, including publishing, securing funding, and developing collaborative research programs.
• Supervise and mentor Honours and HDR students, while effectively managing and developing staff across the employee lifecycle.
• 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 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: 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.

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. 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.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Assoc. Professor Ryan Turner at ryan.turner@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.

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)

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.

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 Sunday 12th of April 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-62498). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for 16th of April 2026.