Research Fellow (Internal Only)

USC's Thompson Institute; Sunshine Coast Regional; On-site; AUD 83,000 - 113,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

17% superannuation

Job summary

UniSC in Sunshine Coast, QLD, invites applications for a Research Fellow (Internal Only) to contribute to an international ACIAR-funded project. The role blends research with project coordination and may involve short travel to Fiji and Vanuatu. Part-time 14.5 hours/week, with flexible engagement across a global team.

You will publish findings, coordinate milestones, and liaise with UniSC stakeholders while developing your research profile within a collaborative, high-performing environment.

Qualifications

• Completion or near-completion of a doctoral qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent accreditation and standing.
• Demonstrated research experience with PhD-level research and publication; ability to communicate science to non-specialist audiences would be valuable.
• Demonstrated experience in project management and reporting, with strong written, verbal and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the delivery of research work packages, including analysing and writing up findings for academic and non-academic audiences.
• Support project management activities, including planning, milestone reporting and liaising with UniSC teams.
• Engage with international project partners, stakeholders and communities, including potential short-term travel to Fiji and Vanuatu.

Skills

PhD-level research

written communication

verbal communication

project management

organisational skills

collaborative mindset

interpersonal skills

Education

Doctoral qualification (PhD)

Job description

Research Fellow (Internal Only) • Sunshine Coast, QLD, AU

School of Law and Society (SLS) is seeking a Research Fellow to contribute to the ACIAR-funded project, Water Security for Locally-Relocated Coastal Communities in the Western Pacific, led by Professor Patrick Nunn. Working as part of an international research team, you will contribute to project work packages across Fiji and Vanuatu, with the role combining research and project management responsibilities. You will contribute to analysing, writing and publishing research findings for academic and non-academic audiences, while also supporting project coordination, milestone reporting, project team meetings and liaison with relevant UniSC stakeholders.

• Level A, $83,148 - $112,588 p.a (pro rata)., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Part-time (14.5 hours per week), fixed term appointment until June 2028
• School of Law and Society, UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs

Our vibrant school combines practicality, inspiration, and rigor to shape future-ready, socially responsible graduates. With a focus on quality teaching and learning, we prioritise employability and flexibility, equipping students with the skills to navigate complex practical, ethical, and social challenges. Our inclusive environment fosters independent thinking and collaborative teamwork. Together, we'll work towards achieving your ambitions and making a positive impact on both local and global scales. Join us in contributing and innovating for a more just future through the fields of law and society.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to further develop your research profile, publication record and project management experience while contributing to an international research collaboration addressing important challenges facing coastal communities. There may also be opportunities for short-term travel to Fiji and Vanuatu to engage with local stakeholders and communities in support of the project's goals.

You will:

• contribute to the delivery of research work packages, including analysing and writing up findings and preparing research outputs for academic and non-academic audiences;
• support project management activities, including planning and coordinating project activities, milestone reporting, project team meetings and liaison with relevant UniSC teams; and
• contribute to engagement with international project partners, stakeholders and communities, including potential short-term travel to Fiji and Vanuatu.

About you:

You are an emerging researcher with experience in PhD-level research and publication, and a strong interest in applying research to real-world challenges. You bring sound research and analytical skills, strong written and verbal communication abilities, and the organisational skills to manage research and project activities effectively. Collaborative, proactive and adaptable, you enjoy working with diverse stakeholders and contributing to an international research team while continuing to develop your academic profile.

You Will Possess

• Completion or near-completion of a doctoral qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent accreditation and standing;
• Demonstrated research experience, including knowledge of research methodologies, participation in research teams and evidence of, or potential for, quality refereed publications;
• Demonstrated experience in PhD-level research and publication; experience in the communication of science to non-specialist audiences would be valuable;
• Demonstrated experience in project management and reporting, with strong written, verbal and organisational skills;
• The ability to build and maintain productive relationships with academic, professional and community stakeholders, including through engagement with relevant professional bodies, community groups and/or professional practice; and
• Strong interpersonal and collegial skills, with a commitment to ongoing academic development and continuous learning and the ability to contribute positively to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing research environment.

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 [e-mail] or call [phone].

Applications for this position close midnight, Monday 21 September 2026.

Professor Patrick Nunn
Professor of Geography- School of Law & Society
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

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

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact [e-mail]

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. While we're not the largest university, we are one of the fastest growing in Australia, now with over 2,000 staff across five campuses in South East Queensland and an expanding presence in major capital cities, and we're making a big impact every day through ground‑breaking research, a strong commitment to sustainability, high-performance sport, and award‑winning alumni.

We are committed to delivering high‑quality research and teaching that address major global and regional challenges, with established and emerging strengths in sustainability, environmental systems, biodiversity, aquaculture, preventative health and regional resilience.

Our research excellence is internationally recognised through strong performance in global benchmarking, including leading rankings in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for "Zero Hunger," "Climate Action" and "Life on Land." UniSC is also recognised for its teaching excellence, with a strong emphasis on student success, innovative and engaging learning experiences, and strong graduate outcomes that equip learners to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields.

As the only university operating within three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, UniSC is uniquely positioned to leverage its natural environment to advance impactful research, teaching and partnerships that support sustainable futures, with sustainability embedded across all aspects of our teaching, research and operations.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages continuous professional development and provides the tools and resources to grow your career. We value the contributions of every team member and the role they play in our culture and success. We're not afraid to do things differently, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team working together to make a meaningful difference to local and global challenges.

• 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.