• Human Factors and Systems Science | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
• Level B - $118,481- $140,567 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time, fixed-term appointment for three years

The Opportunity

Join UniSC’s Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science, a world-leading research capability in Human Factors and Ergonomics, Sociotechnical Systems and Systems Thinking, with a strong focus on translating research into practice and delivering real-world impact.

As a Research Fellow, you will contribute to a recently awarded Australian Research Council Discovery Project, A dynamic model of safety migration in road transport. You will lead and manage day-to-day research activities, applying computational systems modelling approaches to investigate road accident causation and safety in existing and future road transport systems.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and lead research across project design, data collection, analysis and dissemination, while collaborating with multidisciplinary researchers and engaging with transport industry, government and community stakeholders. Where required, mentoring and training will be provided in specific Human Factors and Systems Science approaches used within the Centre.

For more information, please visit us online: Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science

You will:

• lead innovative research: design and conduct high-quality research using computational systems modelling and systems thinking approaches to investigate road safety and accident causation;
• develop dynamic models: apply approaches such as system dynamics modelling, agent-based modelling and discrete event simulation to represent and investigate complex transport systems; and
• manage research projects: coordinate research activities including ethics processes, data collection, analysis, project reporting and dissemination of findings.

About you:

You are an emerging researcher with a doctoral qualification and research experience in a relevant field such as systems science, computational social science, Human Factors and Ergonomics, psychology, public health, management, computer science or economics. You have demonstrated expertise in dynamic modelling approaches and a developing track record of quality research publications.

You are confident working with diverse data sources and applying rigorous research methods, with the ability to translate complex findings into practical recommendations. You enjoy working collaboratively across disciplines and engaging with industry, government and community stakeholders to deliver research with real-world impact.

You will possess:

• Completion of a doctoral qualification in a relevant field, with significant research experience applying dynamic modelling approaches such as system dynamics, agent-based modelling or discrete event simulation;
• A developing research track record relative to opportunity, including quality refereed publications, research funding, research translation and engagement activities;
• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting high-quality research studies, including research involving participants and human research ethics approvals;
• Demonstrated expertise in data discovery, evidence synthesis and integrating diverse data sources to support systems modelling;
• Experience working collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams, with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills; and
• Experience using relevant computational systems modelling software such as Stella Architect, Vensim or NetLogo, with knowledge of Human Factors, safety science and/or accident causation highly regarded.

Don't meet every requirement? At UniSC, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our position description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

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: 494783_Research Fellow, Computational Systems Modelling for Road Safety.pdf

How to apply

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 20 September 2026.

• 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.

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 Gemma Read
Director, Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science - Human Factors & Systems Science
Telephone: 07 5456 5296
Email: gread@usc.edu.au

Discover UniSC

We’re all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. While we’re not the largest university, we are one of the fastest growing in Australia, now with over 2,000 staff across five campuses in South East Queensland and an expanding presence in major capital cities, and we’re making a big impact every day through ground-breaking research, a strong commitment to sustainability, high-performance sport, and award-winning alumni.

We are committed to delivering high-quality research and teaching that address major global and regional challenges, with established and emerging strengths in sustainability, environmental systems, biodiversity, aquaculture, preventative health and regional resilience. Our research excellence is internationally recognised through strong performance in global benchmarking, including leading rankings in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for “Zero Hunger,” “Climate Action” and “Life on Land.” UniSC is also recognised for its teaching excellence, with a strong emphasis on student success, innovative and engaging learning experiences, and strong graduate outcomes that equip learners to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields. As the only university operating within three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, UniSC is uniquely positioned to leverage its natural environment to advance impactful research, teaching and partnerships that support sustainable futures, with sustainability embedded across all aspects of our teaching, research and operations.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages continuous professional development and provides the tools and resources to grow your career. We value the contributions of every team member and the role they play in our culture and success. We’re not afraid to do things differently, and we’re looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team working together to make a meaningful difference to 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.