Careers at UniSC

• Forest Research Institute | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
• Level A, $80,531 - $ 109,044 p.a., (pro rata) plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Part-time (60% FTE), Fixed-term appointment for 9 months

The Opportunity

Join a nationally significant research initiative at the forefront of bushfire resilience. As a Research Fellow, you’ll play a key role in developing and refining NOBURN (NatiOnal BUshfire Resilience Network), an innovative fire prediction and modelling system that harnesses artificial intelligence, citizen science, and remote sensing to improve Australia’s bushfire preparedness and response. Working closely with first responders, community members, and scientists, you'll help shape this cutting-edge tool through participatory design and real-world application.

In this role, you’ll lead the collection and validation of visual fuel hazard data via the NOBURN App, support field sampling and moisture validation, and contribute to the iterative development of AI models for burn area forecasting. With strong stakeholder engagement and a collaborative, solutions-focused mindset, you’ll be part of a project making a tangible impact—combining advanced technology with community insight to strengthen bushfire resilience across the country.

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

You will:

• Lead and conduct interdisciplinary research related to bushfire prediction, fuel hazard assessment, and AI-based modelling in support of the NOBURN system;
• Coordinate and undertake fieldwork activities, including the collection of visual fuel hazard data and moisture content samples for model validation and calibration;
• Support the development and training of artificial intelligence models, using data from the NOBURN App and remote sensing to predict bushfire risk, severity, and potential burn area;
• Analyse and integrate diverse environmental datasets, including citizen science contributions, topographic data, climatic variables, and satellite imagery;
• Collaborate with software developers and technical teams to refine the functionality and usability of the NOBURN App, ensuring it meets the needs of citizen scientists and first responders;
• Engage with stakeholders and end-users, including community members, emergency services, and government agencies, to promote adoption and participatory input into the NOBURN system;
• Prepare high-quality research outputs, including peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, presentations, and contributions to project documentation;
• Support project reporting and administrative activities, including milestone tracking, data management, ethics approvals (if required), and progress reporting to funding bodies; and
• Supervise or mentor students or research assistants, as appropriate, contributing to capacity-building within the research team.

About you:

You're an emerging researcher with a growing track record of publications and a solid understanding of research methodologies. You bring a collaborative mindset, a proactive attitude toward developing your research profile, and a genuine interest in contributing to projects that address real-world challenges. Motivated and curious, you're eager to build your research career and make a meaningful contribution to your field.

To be successful you will possess:

• Postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as environmental science, forestry, fire ecology, geospatial science, computer science (with environmental applications), or a related field;
• Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including community groups, first responders, and technical teams, particularly in participatory or citizen science settings.
• coordinate multiple activities, and work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable:

• Experience in data validation and quality assurance methods, particularly with field-based or crowdsourced datasets.

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:  493422 - Research Fellow.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, Friday 11 July 2025.

• a resume and a statement of suitability (not to exceed two pages), which 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:

Dr Sam Van Holsbeeck
Research Fellow, Forest Industries Research Centre
Telephone: 07 5456 5167
Email: svanhols@usc.edu.au

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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 26 research fields ranked at or above world standard according to the Excellence in Research for Australia Rankings. In 2023 we recorded the biggest improvement in Australia for research quality, moving up more than 331 places in the world rank.

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.