Careers at UniSC

• School of Law and Society, UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
• Level A, $83,148 - $112,588 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time, fixed term appointment until April 2027

School of Law and Society (SLS)

Empowerment for Future-Ready Graduates

Our vibrant school combines practicality, inspiration, and rigor to shape future-ready, socially responsible graduates. With a focus on quality teaching and learning, we prioritise employability and flexibility, equipping students with the skills to navigate complex practical, ethical, and social challenges. Our inclusive environment fosters independent thinking and collaborative teamwork. Together, we'll work towards achieving your ambitions and making a positive impact on both local and global scales. Join us in contributing and innovating for a more just future through the fields of law and society.

The Opportunity

The School of Law and Society is seeking a motivated early career researcher to support the MAIC UniSC Road Safety Research Collaboration. In this role, you will work closely with academic staff on established road safety projects while contributing to the development of new research initiatives. You will be involved across the full research lifecycle, including scoping, design, data collection, analysis and publication, helping deliver high-quality, evidence-based insights that inform policy and practice. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your research profile within a collaborative and applied research environment focused on real-world impact.

For more information, please visit us online: School of Law and Society

You will:

• contribute to collaborative road safety research projects, supporting study design, data collection, analysis and reporting;
• assist with fieldwork, surveys and stakeholder engagement, including liaison with government and industry partners under academic supervision;
• support the preparation of publications, presentations and research outputs for academic and non-academic audiences; and
• participate in research development activities, including contributing to grant applications and co-supervising Honours or HDR students where appropriate.

About you

You are an emerging researcher building your academic profile and keen to apply your skills to meaningful, applied research. You bring a solid understanding of research methodologies and enjoy working as part of a collaborative team. Organised and proactive, you are comfortable managing project tasks and contributing to multiple activities simultaneously. You communicate clearly with both technical and general audiences and are motivated to grow your expertise in road safety research within the Queensland context.

You Will Possess

• completion or near-completion of a doctoral qualification in Psychology or Criminology or associated post graduate qualification;
• demonstrated research experience, including knowledge of research design, data collection and analysis methods relevant to the field;
• evidence of, or potential for, quality refereed publications and contribution to research teams;
• strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with academic and external stakeholders; and
• a collegial, ethical and proactive approach that supports a positive and high performing research environment.

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: Research Associate in Road Safety

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

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

Applications for this position close midnight, Monday 6 April 2026.

Your completed application must include:

• a resume and a statement of suitability (not to exceed two pages), which will be reviewed in alignment to the specified selection criteria as outlined within the position description. In particular, applicants should note the following key criteria in their statement of suitability:

  • Completion or near-completion of a doctoral qualification in Psychology, Criminology, or an associated postgraduate qualification.

  • Quality and trajectory of their track record relative to opportunity.

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:

Professor Kerry Armstrong
Professor (Leader) – MAIC/USC Road Safety Research Collaboration - School of Law & Society
Telephone: 07 5456 5403
Email: karmstro@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.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. According to the latest Good Universities Guide, UniSC has five‑star ratings in key areas including teaching quality, overall educational experience, learning resources, skills development, social equity, and student support, ranking us among the top public universities nationally for student satisfaction.

Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 13 fields ranked well above world standard in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings. Globally, UniSC is now placed in the top 501–600 institutions in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and ranks first in Queensland in sustainability impact, reflecting the quality, relevance, and societal impact of our work.

At UniSC you will have the opportunity to shape the educational landscape and inspire the minds of future generations. We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your teaching and research endeavours.

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 our 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.