Careers at UniSC

• School of Science, Technology & Engineering | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
• Level B $114,751 – 136,143 p.a. (pro rata), plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Fractional (50% FTE / 18.13 hrs per week), fixed-term appointment until 30 June 2027

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a dynamic Research Fellow to join an international project advancing the seaweed aquaculture sector across Pacific Island nations. In this role, you’ll lead the marine science and aquaculture components of the project, combining chemical and molecular analyses with innovative cultivation practices to address production challenges and expand market opportunities for seaweed products. Working closely with communities in Samoa, Fiji and Kiribati, you will generate the technical insights and laboratory evidence needed to accelerate sustainable, adaptable aquaculture solutions that support resilient coastal livelihoods and contribute to the project’s broader development goals.

For more information please visit us online: School of Science, Technology and Engineering

You will:

• Design and deliver seaweed cultivation research in Australia and coordinate parallel trials with in-country teams across partner nations;
• Oversee seaweed sample collection and processing with in-country teams, and contribute directly to field sampling where required;
• Conduct chemical and molecular analyses of seaweed samples, including species identification using DNA barcoding;
• Design experiments and analyse large datasets, integrating project results with existing data to generate robust insights;
• Lead the preparation of technical reports and liaise with the project donor, while contributing to peer-reviewed publications; and
• Communicate research findings to both expert and non-expert audiences through presentations and written outputs.

About you:

You’re an emerging research leader with experience designing and delivering laboratory, analytical and field-based studies. You bring strong quantitative skills, a solid publication record, and the ability to communicate research clearly to diverse audiences. You work effectively to project timelines and stakeholder expectations, contribute to professional and collaborative activities, and have experience supervising research students while translating research into real-world outcomes.

You will possess:

• Completion of a PhD in marine biology, aquaculture, chemical ecology or a related aquatic field;
• Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting research relating to seaweed cultivation, analytical chemistry and molecular biology;
• Strong quantitative experience using modern statistical tools for data analysis and visualization;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven track record of leading peer-reviewed publications and communicating research outcomes to expert and lay audiences;
• Demonstrated experience in working to industry and donor project timelines and requirements; and
• Experience in aquatic fieldwork, preferably in coastal environments in the tropics.

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:  493971 - Research Fellow, IDRC.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, Sunday 18 January 2026.

Your completed application must include:

• 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:

Professor Nicholas Paul
Associate Dean (Research) – School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Phone: 07 5459 4533
Email: npaul@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.

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).

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.