Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Structural Engineering

• School of Civil Engineering – Faculty of EAIT

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years

• Base salary will be in the range $83,698.91 - $111,431.10 + 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 a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a leading applied research program developing innovative timber structural systems for portable and small-footprint buildings. Based at UQ and funded by Australian and Forest Wood Innovations (AFWI), this role combines research and hands-on delivery, leading prototype design through to real-world implementation. You will provide structural expertise, coordinate projects, collaborate with industry partners, and publish high-quality research and technical outputs.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research: Lead research in timber and prefabricated systems, deliver high-quality outputs, provide structural expertise, coordinate projects and partners, support funding, and contribute to knowledge transfer and research development.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise and mentor undergraduate and research students, support their development, provide feedback and coaching, manage research staff, and address conflicts in line with University policies.

• Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate UQ values, build partnerships, collaborate across teams, support unit operations, contribute to service and committees, and develop external industry and community links.

• Teaching and Learning: As a research-focused position, there is no formal requirement for undergraduate teaching. However, you will be encouraged to contribute to teaching activities where appropriate and to support student learning and engagement.

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

About You 

• Completion of a PhD in the field of timber engineering, composite structures, digital and advanced manufacturing, computational design, or equivalent.

• An emerging profile in research in the discipline area (advanced manufacturing and/or sustainable construction).

• Demonstrated knowledge in experimental testing of novel structural systems, including building elements (beams, columns, panels) and/or connections.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and establish a rapport and good working relationships with students, staff, and industry partners.

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

• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with colleagues and peers, including those from different disciplines, as well as with administrative and technical staff.

• Some experience in meaningful supervision roles, internal service roles, contributions toward external activities, and/or contributions toward student learning and engagement.

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.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact A/Prof Joe Gattas via j.gattas@uq.edu.au.  For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume, cover letter, and responses to the ‘About You’ section.

Other Information 

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, 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 talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close on Tuesday, 2 June 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-64505).