• Forest Research Institute | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
• Academic Level B - $118,481 - $140,567 p.a (pro rata)., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Part-time (10.88 hours per week), fixed-term appointment until June 2029

The Opportunity

Join the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Australia's largest forestry research group, and play a leading role in delivering the Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) project, Timber-Led Decarbonisation of Australian Housing: Evidence and Industry Translation. You will conduct research into the durability, performance and service life of timber and engineered wood products, working closely with industry and research partners to generate evidence that supports sustainable construction and low-carbon housing. This is an excellent opportunity to build your research profile while delivering practical outcomes for Australia's forest and wood products sector.

For more information, please visit us online: Forest Research Institute

You will:

• lead applied research: deliver research projects focused on timber durability, product performance and sustainable construction.
• drive industry impact: publish research findings and translate outcomes into practical resources for industry and government.
• collaborate and grow: work with multidisciplinary researchers, industry partners and support research students while contributing to future funding opportunities.

About you:

You are an emerging researcher with expertise in timber, wood products, forestry, materials science or a related discipline. You have a growing research track record, enjoy working collaboratively with industry and research partners, and are motivated to build your academic profile through high-quality research with real-world impact.

You will possess:

• A doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline, or equivalent research experience;
• Demonstrated research experience, including peer-reviewed publications relevant to timber, forestry, wood products or sustainable construction;
• Experience working collaboratively with research, industry or government partners;
• Strong research, communication and project management skills;
• Demonstrated potential to contribute to competitive research funding; and
• A commitment to developing your research profile through collaboration, supervision and professional engagement.

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.

How to apply

All applications must be lodged through our website. To apply please visit our website at: Careers at UniSC

Applications for this position close midnight, Thursday 30 July 2026.

Position Description:  494737_Research Fellow in Wood Products and Applications.pdf

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.

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

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
Email: mbrown2@usc.edu.au

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

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

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.