Careers at UniSC

• School of Health | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
• Level B, $114,751- $136,143 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Part-time (80% FTE / 29 hours per week), Fixed term appointment until late October 2027

The School of Health (SoH)

School of Health: Impactful Research in Health Education

Explore research opportunities at the School of Health and make a difference in health education and research. Our dedicated team focuses on improving mental, physical, and environmental health through research, teaching, and outreach. Contribute to advancements in the health sector and the well-being of communities on a regional and global scale.

The Opportunity

You will contribute to a Medical Research Futures Fund Early to Mid-Career Researchers grant titled 'Investigating the aetiology of early-onset osteoporosis in individuals with Down syndrome’. This research seeks to uncover why people with Down syndrome face a significantly higher risk of early-onset osteoporosis by examining bone development and integrity at the cellular, animal, and human levels. Using advanced cell culture techniques, mouse models of Down syndrome, and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), the project aims to generate translational insights that will inform targeted osteo-therapies and support changes in clinical practice, including routine bone health assessment for individuals with Down syndrome.

For more information please visit us online: School of Health

You will:

As Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will play a leading role in delivering the project’s cellular and in vivo components. Your responsibilities will include maintaining cell lines, ensuring ethical animal health and husbandry, conducting experiments, and driving data collection, analysis, and publication outcomes. You will also have opportunities to contribute to the supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, making this an excellent role for a motivated researcher seeking to build leadership, translational impact, and mentoring experience within a high-profile research program.

About you:

The successful incumbent will be a driven and accomplished researcher with a strong publication record, expertise in research methodologies, and a collaborative mindset. You will possess a proactive approach to securing research funding and a track record of impactful research with broader societal implications. You will be passionate about advancing knowledge and addressing global challenges, and dedicated to making a lasting contribution in your field.

To be successful you will possess:

• Completion of a relevant doctoral qualification and experience as a researcher;
• Foundational knowledge of physiology. Expertise in the field of bone biology is highly desirable;
• A demonstrated ability in, and a strong commitment to maintaining high quality human cell lines. Experience with stem cells, human iPSC / ESC culture is highly desirable;
• A demonstrated ability using in vivo models including exemplary ethical commitment and actions;
• A demonstrated track record of conducting innovative and impactful research, evidenced by a strong publication record in reputable journals and conferences;
• Proficiency in advanced research methodologies relevant to the field of expertise, ensuring rigorous and high-quality research;
• Ability to effectively collaborate with a diverse research team and contribute expertise to interdisciplinary projects, fostering a productive and supportive research environment;
• Proven ability to secure research grants and funding opportunities to support research projects, highlighting the candidate's capacity to attract external funding; and
• Evidence of research with broader societal implications, showcasing your commitment to addressing real-world challenges and making a meaningful contribution in your field.

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:  494177 - Postdoctoral Research Fellow LB.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, Sunday 22 March 2026.

• a resume, and a response to selection criteria. Noting that within the application form, we will request a statement addressing each of the selection criteria contained 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:

Michelle Maugham-Macan
Lecturer in Biomedical Science
Telephone: 07 5430 1265
Email: mmaughammacan@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.