Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Developing Coral Reef Models for the Red Sea bei University of Queensland

• Faculty of Science / School of the Environment

• Full-time fixed-term position through to end of March 2028

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

• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

Join our dynamic team in the Marine Spatial Ecology Lab (MSEL) to advance the science of coral reef resilience. We are seeking a coral reef modeller to help lead a collaborative research programme between the University of Queensland and King Abdulla University of Science and Technology (KAUST) with Prof David Suggett. Our shared goal is to adapt a model of reef ecology from the Great Barrier Reef to the Red Sea. The model will use available data but new field studies are anticipated to help parameterise important processes. This is an exciting opportunity to develop a model that will help shape restoration activities in this interesting part of the world.

The role involves literature reviews, contributing to experimental design and analysis to estimate ecological parameters, and implementing models in Matlab. You will work closely with a diverse team of around 20 field ecologists and modellers, as well as international collaborators at KAUST in Saudi Arabia, contributing to high-impact science at the interface of ecological research and reef management. A visit to collaborators at KAUST is anticipated but the work is primarily based at the UQ campus in St. Lucia, Brisbane.

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.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research: Produce high-quality research outputs, develop an emerging research profile, secure competitive funding, collaborate on projects, and translate knowledge into practice, including potential commercialisation.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Effectively supervise Honours and Higher Degree by Research students and support their researcher development.

• Citizenship and Service: Contribute to internal service roles, committees, and decision-making, while building external collaborations with industry, government, and the broader community in alignment with UQ values.

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

• Minimum qualification of a Master’s degree, with a PhD preferred, and demonstrated expertise in coral reef data analysis, field studies, and coral reef simulation modelling.

• Coding experience in Matlab or R.

• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.

• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities

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 21st at 11.00pm AEST (R-55695).