Careers at UniSC

• Australian Forest and Wood Innovations Centre for Sustainable Futures
• Level C $140,415 - $161,809 or Level D $168,933- $186,045 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. This position will link to Program 2 of the AFWI Vision, which focuses on expanding Australia’s wood basket through new land management and afforestation strategies, supporting sustainable forest growth and increased domestic wood supply.

This role offers a meaningful opportunity to support Indigenous-led approaches to growing healthy and productive forests across Australia. As an Industry Fellow within the AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures, you will work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Elders, industry partners, and researchers to explore enterprise models that bring together cultural knowledge, ecological understanding, and sustainable timber production. Your contribution will help inform new plantation and afforestation initiatives, strengthen Indigenous Forest governance, and support co-designed land management practices that care for Country and improve long-term forest resilience. Through this work, you will play a part in enhancing Australia’s domestic timber supply while supporting pathways that reflect and respect First Nations knowledge, values, and aspirations.

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:

• deliver research with clear social, cultural, environmental, or commercial value, and contribute to the success of grants and projects;
• provide considerate and supportive supervision to Higher Degree by Research candidates;
• contribute to the ongoing growth of your discipline in ways recognised by peers; and
• build constructive industry and community partnerships that strengthen research and student engagement.

As a Level D, you will also

• guide nationally recognised research, with a sustained record of competitive grants and major project leadership;
• provide mentorship and contribute to the national and, sometimes, international, advancement of your field;
• nurture strategic partnerships across local, national, and international contexts that deliver significant outcomes for the University, partners, and communities; and
• strengthen the academic environment by modelling positive leadership and supporting a collaborative research culture.

About you:

You’re someone who values working alongside communities and brings a strong commitment to culturally respectful and inclusive ways of working. You enjoy contributing your expertise through research that advances knowledge, explores meaningful questions, and creates positive outcomes for students, communities, and your field. You take pride in fostering strong, ethical relationships, building partnerships with industry, government, and community organisations, and collaborating in ways that support shared learning and real-world impact. You’re motivated to support research growth, contribute to knowledge-sharing, and participate in activities that strengthen connections between the University and the communities it serves.

To be successful you will possess:

• A doctoral qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent experience.
• Recognised contributions to applied research integrating ecological, cultural, and commercial forestry practices
• Experience building respectful, co-designed partnerships with Indigenous communities and supporting capacity development.
• Experience mentoring or supporting emerging researchers or Higher Degree by Research students.
• Leadership that fosters a positive, inclusive academic environment and encourages collaboration and high standards.
• Ability to develop and sustain meaningful partnerships with industry, professional bodies, and community groups to create impact for the University, students, and communities.

Desirable:

• Lived experience as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person or demonstrated cultural capability and accountability in working with Indigenous peoples.
• Experience in securing research funding or contributing to successful grant applications, particularly for Indigenous-led or community-partnered projects.
• Experience in interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary research, particularly approaches that integrate Indigenous knowledge systems with Western science.
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring or supporting First Nations students, researchers, or community partners in academic or applied settings.

As a Level D, you will also possess:

• National standing in your discipline, with a strong record of research, impact, and contribution to the development of your field.
• A sustained and coherent research program with high-quality outputs, external recognition, and demonstrable impact.
• Experience providing research leadership, mentoring Early Career Researchers, and contributing to national panels and capacity-building.
• Experience in academic leadership and the ability to develop and nurture regional, national, and international partnerships.

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:  493930_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.