Careers at UniSC

• Forest Research Institute | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
• Academic Level A - $80,531 - $109,044 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full time (36.25 hrs per week), fixed-term appointment until 30 June 2030

The Opportunity

Join the Forest Research Institute (FRI) at UniSC as a Research Fellow contributing to applied research across forest supply chains, silviculture, and emerging forestry technologies. You’ll work on nationally significant projects, including through the Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) Centre, engaging in collaborative and independent research that delivers real-world impact.

Mentored by senior researchers and the FRI Director, you’ll be involved in designing and conducting studies, publishing outcomes, and working closely with industry partners. With growing national investment in forestry R&D and expanding areas like AI in forest management, digital supply chains, and carbon-timber integration, this role offers a strong platform for building an impactful research career.

For more information please visit us online: Forest Research Institute

You will:

• deliver innovative, practice-focused teaching in project management, digital business, and operations management;
• supervise honours students and help shape an applied, industry-informed curriculum; and
• lead and contribute to program coordination, student engagement, and meaningful industry and community partnerships.

About you:

You are an emerging researcher with expertise in forestry, forest supply chains, or related technologies, eager to build a strong, applied research portfolio. You have a solid grounding in research methods and a passion for translating scientific knowledge into practical, industry-relevant solutions. Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, you are committed to advancing sustainable forestry practices through innovative approaches, including digital tools and data-driven technologies.

You are motivated to engage with industry partners and contribute to high-impact projects that address real-world challenges in forest management, silviculture, and supply chain systems. With strong communication skills, you are ready to disseminate research outcomes through publications and reports while supporting higher degree research students and fostering a positive, inclusive academic environment.

You will possess:

• a doctoral qualification (completed or near completion) in forestry, environmental science, supply chain management, or a closely related field;
• proficiency in advanced research techniques and tools relevant to forestry, such as data analytics, modelling software, or digital forestry technologies;
• demonstrated ability to design and conduct rigorous, applied research projects that address real-world challenges in forest supply chains, silviculture, or forest management technologies;
• a growing track record of high-quality research outputs, including publications in reputable forestry or environmental journals and/or active engagement with industry partners;
• expertise in integrating digital and innovative technologies within your research, such as remote sensing, AI applications, or supply chain digitization; and
• experience or strong potential to supervise honours and higher degree research (HDR) students in topics related to forestry, supply chain management, or technology-driven forest innovation.

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 - 493542 - Research Fellow in Forestry and Forest Management Technology

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, Friday 12 September 2025.  

Your completed application must include:

• a resume, and responses to specific pre-determined selection criteria as outlined in the application form.

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 Mark Brown
Director, Forest Research Institute and AFWI UniSC Centre - Forest Industries Res Centre
Phone:07 5459 4483
Email: mbrown2@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 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).

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.
• private health.