Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Work Futures and Economic Security

• Centre for Policy Futures

• Part-time (60% FTE), fixed-term position through to 31 December 2026

• Base salary will be in the range $82,057- $109,246 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)

• Based at our St Lucia campus

About This Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to build an emerging research profile within the Centre for Policy Futures, contributing to its research theme Work Futures and Economic Security.

As a research-focused academic at Level A, you will work closely with senior researchers while progressively developing greater autonomy in your research. You will contribute primarily through high-quality research outputs, with limited involvement in service and engagement activities aligned to your career stage.

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Research

• Produce high-quality research outputs through publications in reputable journals and other recognised outlets.

• Undertake qualitative research activities, including interviews, focus groups, and participatory observation.

• Contribute to competitive research funding applications and collaborative research projects.

• Develop an emerging, coherent research profile aligned to the Centre’s research agenda.

• Apply best-practice research methodologies and contribute to knowledge translation activities.

Supervision and Researcher Development

• Contribute to the supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, as appropriate.

• Support researcher development through effective feedback, collaboration, and mentoring.

Citizenship and Service

• Demonstrate behaviours aligned with UQ values.

• Contribute to internal service and engagement activities appropriate to career stage.

• Support unit operations and collaborative initiatives as required.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad:  from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and

genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About the Centre for Policy Futures

The Centre for Policy Futures is a leading interdisciplinary research centre addressing major public policy challenges through collaborative, engaged, and impact-driven research.

About You

• Completion of a PhD in the discipline area.

• An emerging profile in research in the discipline area.

• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presentations at conferences.

• Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.

• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Greg Marston at [email protected]. For application queries, please contact [email protected] stating the job reference number (R-58917) in the subject line. 

Want to Apply? 

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:  

• Resume 

• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section 

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact [email protected]. 

Other Information 

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who do not meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.  

Applications close on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 AEST (R-58917).

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