UNIVERSITY OF THE SUNSHINE CO - UNISC
Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF THE SUNSHINE COAST - UNISC Research Field Agricultural sciences Researcher Profile Leading Researcher (R4) Country Australia Application Deadline 6 Jan 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
* Australian Forest and Wood Innovations Centre for Sustainable Futures
* Level C $140,415 - $161,809 or Level D $168,933- $186,045 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
* Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 5 years
The Opportunity
The AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures at the University of the Sunshine Coast is part of the national Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) network, supporting research and innovation in Australia's forest and wood products sector. The Centre works alongside industry, government, and academic partners to advance sustainable forestry, maximise wood fibre use, and deliver climate-smart solutions. AFWICSF focuses on forest health and productivity, value-added products, supply chain efficiency, and integrated innovation, contributing to the national goal of growing a resilient, future-focused forest and wood products industry.
We are recruiting for two separate Industry Fellow positions:
Industry Fellow in Healthy and Productive Forests Through Effective Indigenous-Led Partnerships
In this role, you will work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Elders, and industry partners to co-design approaches that integrate cultural knowledge, ecological understanding, and sustainable timber production. You will also support Indigenous Forest governance and land management practices that care for Country and improve long‑term forest resilience. This position will link to Program 2 of the AFWI Vision, which focuses on expanding Australia's wood basket through new land management and afforestation strategies, supporting sustainable forest growth and increased domestic wood supply.
Industry Fellow in Total Fibre Recovery and Value Chain Innovation
In this role, you will improve fibre recovery and utilisation, strengthen plantation economics, and support development of environmentally responsible timber products. You will also connect research with real-world outcomes to enhance sustainability, resource efficiency, and value across the supply chain. This position will link to Programs 1 and 2 of the AFWI Vision, contributing to growing and expanding Australia wood basket through improved utilisation of current resources, innovative land management, and afforestation strategies.
* deliver research with clear social, cultural, environmental, or commercial value;
* provide considerate and supportive supervision to Higher Degree by Research candidates;
* build constructive industry and community partnerships that strengthen research and student engagement; and
* contribute to the ongoing growth of your discipline in ways recognised by peers.
As a Level D, you will also:
* guide nationally recognised research with a sustained record of competitive grants and major project leadership;
* provide mentorship and contribute to the advancement of your field nationally and internationally;
* nurture strategic partnerships across local, national, and international contexts; and
* model positive leadership and support a collaborative research culture.
About you:
You value collaboration and culturally respectful ways of working. You're passionate about research that advances knowledge, addresses meaningful challenges, and delivers positive outcomes for communities, industry, and your field. You build strong, ethical relationships and partnerships with industry, government, and community organisations, working together to create real‑world impact. You're motivated to share knowledge, support research growth, and strengthen connections between the University and the communities it serves.
To be successful you will possess:
* A doctoral qualification in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
* Recognised contributions to applied research in fibre recovery, utilisation, and mobilisation, with tangible commercial and environmental impact and active collaboration with industry and other stakeholders.
* Experience supervising and mentoring Higher Degree by Research students, supporting their development and success.
* Leadership that fosters a positive, engaging academic environment and a commitment to ongoing professional growth.
* The ability to build and maintain partnerships that deliver value for the University, students, industry, and the wider community.
Additional desirable criteria apply for the Indigenous‑led partnerships role, including cultural capability and experience working with First Nations communities.
As a Level D, you will also possess:
* A coherent research program with sustained high‑quality outputs and demonstrable impact.
* Experience providing research leadership, mentoring early‑career researchers, and contributing to academic service.
* Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships at regional, national, and international levels.
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Application process
Applications for this position close midnight, Tuesday 6 January 2026.
A complete application includes a resume, cover letter, and a response to selection criteria. Noting that within the application form, you will be required to submit a statement addressing each of the selection criteria contained within the position description.
UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We strongly 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.
As a university attracting talent from across the globe, UniSC also offers sponsorship opportunities for international candidates. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at or call +61. 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 Centre for Sustainable Futures
Telephone:
Email:
Please note that the University will be closed for the Christmas period from 25 December to 2 January. Any queries received during this time will be triaged, and responded to from Monday, 5 January 2026.
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