Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Officer in Infrastructure Siting and Sustainability

University of Queensland; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 114,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Queensland, School of Chemical Engineering, Brisbane, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer to join an industry-linked project exploring how AI data centres and critical minerals infrastructure can work together.

You will develop geospatial modelling and decision-support tools, collaborating with industry and building your research profile in water, energy, infrastructure and resource optimisation.

Qualifications

• PhD completion or near completion in geospatial disciplines or related fields.
• Strong geospatial analysis, spatial modelling, and data-driven approaches.
• Publications in refereed journals and conference presentations are expected.
• Evidence of pursuing external research funding and contributing to service roles.

Responsibilities

• Develop geospatial modelling and interactive decision-support tools for co-locating AI data centres with minerals assets, focusing on water and energy optimisation.
• Supervise and develop Honours and HDR students, providing feedback and mentorship; support research staff development.

Skills

Geospatial analysis

Spatial modelling

Data science

Education

PhD or near completion in a relevant discipline

Job description

• School of Chemical Engineering - Faculty of EAIT
• Part-time (40%), fixed-term position through to 1 November 2027
• Full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range $85,372.89 - $113,659.72 + 17% super (Academic Level A)
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• Based at our St Lucia Campus - Brisbane

About This Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer to join a new industry-linked research project exploring how AI data centres and critical minerals infrastructure can work smarter together. Develop innovative geospatial modelling and decision-support tools, collaborate with industry, and build your research profile while tackling real-world challenges in water, energy, infrastructure and resource optimisation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: Develop high-quality research focused on geospatial modelling and interactive decision-support tools for co-locating AI data centres with critical minerals assets, with a focus on water and energy optimisation and shared infrastructure. You will collaborate on research projects and funding applications, translate research into real-world outcomes, and build a strong emerging research profile using best-practice methodologies.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the supervision and development of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, providing effective feedback, coaching and professional development. As appropriate, support the management and development of research staff, fostering a positive and productive research environment.

• Citizenship and Service: Contribute to a collaborative and supportive academic community by actively engaging in School and University activities, supporting colleagues and participating in service and committee responsibilities. Build meaningful connections with industry, government, professional bodies and the wider community, while demonstrating behaviours aligned with UQ values.

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

About You

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in a relevant discipline. Suitable backgrounds include geospatial science, engineering, geography, environmental science, planning, data science, or related fields. The specific disciplinary background is less important than demonstrated expertise in geospatial analysis, spatial modelling, and/or co-created modelling platforms developed in partnership with end-users.
• An emerging profile in research in a relevant discipline.
• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
• Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.
• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities.

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. 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, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia and qualifications checks. 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.

We are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We are also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [e-mail] or calling [phone].

Applications close on Tuesday, 17 November 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-70599).