Careers at UniSC

• Australian Forest and Wood Innovations Centre for Sustainable Futures
• Level D $168,933- $186,045 or Level E $217,414 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 5 years

The Opportunity

The AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures at the University of the Sunshine Coast is part of the national Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) network, supporting research and innovation in Australia’s forest and wood products sector. The Centre works alongside industry, government, and academic partners to advance sustainable forestry, maximise wood fibre use, and deliver climate-smart solutions. AFWICSF focuses on forest health and productivity, value-added products, supply chain efficiency, and integrated innovation, contributing to the national goal of growing a resilient, future-focused forest and wood products industry. The role will link to Programs 1, 2, and 3 of the AFWI Vision, supporting the growth and expansion of Australia’s wood basket through improved resource utilisation, innovative land management and afforestation strategies, and the development of carbon-friendly timber products.

This position offers the chance to lead innovation across the forestry and timber sector, using system-based thinking and AI to enhance productivity, sustainability, and value. You will optimise existing forests, support new plantations and integrated land-use systems, and apply digital technologies to improve timber processing and resource recovery. Your work will connect research with real-world outcomes, helping strengthen Australia’s timber supply, support sustainable construction, and foster meaningful partnerships with industry and First Nations communities.

For more information, please visit us online: AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures

To learn more about the role, please visit our candidate information page

You will:

• build national recognition through research that makes a meaningful contribution to your discipline across Australia;
• provide leadership and mentorship to researchers, supporting projects with national impact;
• collaborate with external partners to deliver outcomes that strengthen the University’s reputation and benefit regional communities; and
• play an active role in advancing your discipline and contributing to the broader academic community.

As a Level E, you will also

• be recognised internationally as a leading expert, with research of global significance, including commercialisation, IP impact, and high citation influence;
• provide strategic leadership in teaching and scholarship, shaping policy, practice, and curriculum with international reach;
• lead high-impact engagement with industry, government, and communities, delivering outcomes that bring prestige and broader socio-economic, cultural, or environmental benefits; and
• contribute at the highest level to University governance and capacity-building, fostering excellence across academic and professional programs.

About you:

Our ideal candidate is an accomplished academic who brings clarity, purpose and influence to their research. You shape a thoughtful research agenda, lead significant projects, and communicate outcomes in ways that strengthen both your discipline and the University’s profile. You provide considered guidance to Higher Degree by Research candidates and early career colleagues, helping to build a strong and capable research community. You work confidently with industry, government and community partners, creating collaborations that enhance the reach and relevance of your work. You also contribute to the broader priorities of the University, supporting an inclusive, positive and high-performing academic environment. At this level, your national standing is well established, and your leadership helps advance the University’s reputation and its contribution to the region.

To be successful you will possess:

• A doctoral qualification in a relevant field, with substantial experience as an academic leader of national or international standing.
• A coherent research program with sustained high-quality outputs and measurable impact in forestry systems, AI, digital innovation, or timber processing.
• Experience supervising Higher Degree by Research candidates and contributing to research recognition at national and international levels.
• Demonstrated experience developing and applying innovative, data-driven solutions that improve forest productivity, supply chains, timber processing, or engineered wood product adoption.
• The ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, government, First Nations communities, and research institutions to deliver sustainable forestry outcomes.
• Experience in academic administration, governance, and service that supports the growth and development of the School and University.

As a Level E, you will also possess:

• International recognition as a leading authority in the field, with a strong record of academic leadership and formative disciplinary impact.
• Significant leadership contributions that build research capacity and strengthen research culture at University, national and international levels.

Application process

Applications for this position close midnight, Tuesday 6 January 2026

A complete application includes a resume, cover letter, and a response to selection criteria. Noting that within the application form, you will be required to submit a statement addressing each of the selection criteria contained within the position description.

Position description:  493928_position description.pdf

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context.

As a university attracting talent from across the globe, UniSC also offers sponsorship opportunities for international candidates. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830. Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

Have questions or want to know more?

For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Professor Mark Brown
Director, Forest Research Institute and AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures
Telephone: 07 5459 4483
Email: mbrown2@usc.edu.au

Please note that the University will be closed for the Christmas period from 25 December to 2 January. Any queries received during this time will be triaged, and responded to from Monday, 5 January 2026. 

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland and a growing footprint in major capital cities.

Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 13 research fields ranked well above world standard, characterised by evidence of outstanding performance according to the Excellence Research for Australia Rankings. In 2024, we moved 97 places to be in the top 110 institutions in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings (2024).

We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.