Careers at UniSC

• School of Science, Technology & Engineering | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
• Part-time (50% FTE / 18.13 hrs per week), fixed-term appointment until April 2028
• Academic Level A - $80,531 - $109,044 (pro rata) p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation

The School of Science, Technology and Engineering (SSTE)

School of Science, Technology and Engineering: Addressing global challenges for a better tomorrow!

The School of Science, Technology, and Engineering (SSTE) is a leader in addressing global challenges through STEM education, equipping students with the skills to develop innovative, sustainable solutions. Our Engineering Discipline is a growing hub of research and teaching excellence, with strengths in sustainable building, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and more. Collaborating with the ARM-Hub and industry partners like Veolia and SMEC, we bridge academic and practical expertise. UniSC ranks above the national average for student experience, with 86% of our engineering graduates securing full-time employment (QILT Survey 2021). We are expanding programs, including new offerings at our Moreton Bay Campus, and exploring postgraduate qualifications to meet future needs.

The Opportunity

Join our research team and help transform parasite control! We're seeking a passionate postdoctoral researcher to explore how aquatic semiochemicals (pheromones and kairomones) can disrupt the lifecycle of liver fluke parasites. Focusing on behavioural responses of Fasciola and its snail host Austropeplea tomentosa, you'll contribute to developing eco-friendly, species-specific attractant traps to reduce transmission and reinfection. This exciting project tackles global challenges like drug resistance and sustainability in livestock and human health.

For more information please visit us online: School of Science, Technology and Engineering

You will:

• Conduct innovative research: take the lead in designing and conducting innovative research projects aligned with your expertise and UniSC’s research priorities. Employ rigorous methodologies and stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field.
• Publish research findings: disseminate research findings through high-impact publications in reputable journals, conferences, and other scholarly outlets. Contribute to UniSC’s reputation as a leader in cutting-edge research.
• Collaborate with research team: engage in collaborative research efforts with other members of the research team, fostering a supportive and productive research environment. Contribute your expertise and knowledge to interdisciplinary projects.
• Secure research funding: actively participate in securing research grants and funding opportunities to support your research projects. Demonstrate the potential impact of your research to attract external funding.
• Contribute to research impact: communicate and present research outcomes to various stakeholders, including academic peers, policymakers, and the public. Demonstrate how your research contributes to addressing real-world challenges and has a broader societal impact.

About you:

The ideal candidate will be an emerging researcher with a growing publication record, sound knowledge of research methodologies, and a collaborative approach to working with others. You’ll be keen to build your research profile, actively contribute to funding applications, and undertake work with real-world relevance. Motivated and curious, you’re passionate about developing your expertise, contributing to your field, and exploring research with broader societal impact.

To be successful you will possess:

• Completion of a PhD in ethology, parasitology, molecular ecology, or a related field;
• Demonstrated experience in behavioural assays, video analysis, and ethogram development;
• Proficiency in modern statistical tools for behavioural and ecological data analysis;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications;
• Experience in aquatic fieldwork or chemical ecology is an advantage but not essential; and
• Strong personal qualities and collegial approaches that contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive academic environment which is conducive to engagement and achievement for both staff and students.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We 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. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position description:  493063 - Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Semiochemical-Based Parasite Control.pdf

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

All applications must be lodged through the Careers at UniSC website.

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

Applications for this position close midnight, Wednesday 30 April 2025.

Your completed application must include:

• a resume and a statement of suitability (not to exceed two pages), which be reviewed in alignment to the specified selection criteria as outlined within the position description.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

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

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

APrf Tianfang Wang
Associate Professor in Chemical Science – School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Telephone: 07 5456 5982
Email: twang@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.

Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 26 research fields ranked at or above world standard according to the Excellence in Research for Australia Rankings. In 2023 we recorded the biggest improvement in Australia for research quality, moving up more than 331 places in the world rank.

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.