Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Coral Species Distributions and Allee Effects bei The University of Queensland

• Faculty of Science / School of the Environment

• Full-time fixed-term position through to end of September 2027

• Base salary will be in the range $82,057.75 - $109,246.18 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)

• Based at our St Lucia Campus with fieldwork primarily in Palau

About This Opportunity 

We invite applications from motivated Field Ecologists with expertise in mapping coral distributions across reefs and coral reproductive biology to join the Marine Spatial Ecology Lab (MSEL). This role will play a key part in advancing research into coral density patterns and reproductive Allee effects through fieldwork and empirical studies. Fieldwork will primarily be conducted in Palau, with potential opportunities in Australia. You will join a diverse research team of ~20 people, including field ecologists and modellers.

Marine Spatial Ecology Lab (MSEL) is a dynamic group conducting world-leading coral reef research. MSEL’s portfolio spans reef ecology, ecosystem resilience, fisheries rebuilding, connectivity within and among tropical ecosystems, and the design and functioning of marine reserves. Our research integrates field studies, large-scale observations, lab-based approaches, and ecological modelling.

Current projects are located across the Great Barrier Reef, Palau, Indonesia, Philippines, Maldives, Belize, and the Caribbean. The team comprises an academic lead, eight post-doctoral researchers, four PhD students, and a research support officer. MSEL is part of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and works closely with collaborators including CSIRO and the Palau International Coral Reef Center.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research: Conduct high-quality research by publishing in leading journals, contributing to competitive research funding applications, and developing a coherent research program with an emerging profile in coral reef studies.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise and mentor researchers and students through effective guidance of Honours and Higher Degree by Research candidates, while fostering researcher development.

• Citizenship and Service: Contribute to academic service and engagement by supporting internal committees and processes, demonstrating collaborative citizenship, and building external partnerships with industry, government, and community stakeholders.

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, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

• PhD (or near completion) in coral reef ecology, ideally focused on coral species distributions or coral reproductive biology, including fertilisation ecology, with substantial fieldwork experience.

• Experience using software to map coral species distributions is highly desirable.

• At least Divemaster diving certification or equivalent.

• Evidence of publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.

• Experience contributing to internal service roles and involvement in relevant external activities, demonstrating collaborative and professional engagement.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia and education check.

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 Peter Mumby at [email protected].

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) 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

• Cover letter

• Responses to the ‘About You’ section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. 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 don’t 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 Sunday September 7th at 11.00pm AEST (R-55425). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing September 8th, 2025.