Overview
School of the Environment. Full-time, fixed-term position for 2 years. Base salary in the range A$104,209.38 – A$111,431 plus 17% superannuation (Academic Level A). Based at the St Lucia Campus. Join The University of Queensland as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at tracking magmatic processes associated with mineralisation in porphyry copper deposits. You will develop and apply machine-learning models to predict mineralisation using accessory minerals such as zircon and apatite, with a focus on integrating insights from plutonic, volcanic and sedimentary (detrital) records. This position offers the opportunity to build expertise within a high-impact and globally relevant field of geoscience research. You will join the magmatic petrology research team led by Associate Professor Teresa Ubide, contributing to the ARC Discovery Project "Finding critical copper beneath volcanoes," in collaboration with researchers across UQ and The Australian National University. Based within the School of the Environment, you will have access to analytical facilities at the Centre for Geoanalytical Mass Spectrometry and ANU-RSES, and a strong national and international collaborative network. The role includes opportunities to support PhD student training and supervision, and to contribute to service and engagement activities within a dynamic and supportive research environment.
Responsibilities
* Research: Develop an emerging research profile through high-quality outputs, publications in leading outlets, and application of best-practice methodologies to advance a coherent program. Contribute to collaborative research initiatives and funding applications, supporting joint project development and translation of outcomes into end-user impact, including commercialisation opportunities where relevant.
* Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to supervision and development of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, supporting researcher capability and professional growth. Provide effective supervision and leadership to supervisees and research staff, including coaching, feedback, performance development and management in line with University policies, and resolve issues as they arise.
* Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate collaborative leadership and strong citizenship aligned with UQ values through active contribution to unit priorities, service and committee activities, operational support, and development of internal and external partnerships across industry, government and the broader community.
* General: This is a research-focused position with opportunities to advance the broader research program and contribute to the institution's strategic goals.
About You
* Completed or near-completion of a PhD in Earth Sciences, with specialisation in geochemistry, petrology or economic geology.
* Emerging research profile demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and active engagement in disciplinary research.
* Strong interest and/or experience in elemental and isotopic microanalysis, particularly of accessory minerals, including in-situ geochemical techniques and data interpretation.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively within research teams, with effective time management and delivery against deadlines.
* Experience engaging with academic, industry and/or government collaborators to support research impact and knowledge exchange.
* Practical experience with key analytical instruments (e.g. EPMA/SEM, LA-Q-ICP-MS, LA-MC-ICP-MS, SHRIMP) and associated geochemical workflows.
* Desirable: exposure to advanced analytical or modelling approaches, including machine-learning applications, thermodynamic modelling, and/or assessment of magmatic copper fertility.
* Desirable: capability in field-based geology including detrital sampling.
* Desirable: contributions to grant applications, service activities and broader research engagement.
About UQ
As part of the UQ community, you will collaborate with leading researchers in an environment that encourages interdisciplinary work. UQ provides access to facilities, grant-writing support, funding opportunities, and staff development. Employee benefits include flexible working arrangements and career progression through the academic promotions process. UQ is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Additional Information
* Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications and criminal history checks, and may include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity requirements. You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment. Employer-sponsored work rights are not available. Relocation support may be provided for interstate or overseas applicants.
* For more information, contact Associate Professor Teresa Ubide at t.ubide@uq.edu.au. For application inquiries, contact the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, including the job reference number in the subject line.
* Applications close 26 July 2026 at 11:00pm AEST (R-63956). Interviews are tentatively scheduled for mid-August 2026.
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