Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Infrastructure Siting and Sustainability

About the role

The University of Queensland's School of Chemical Engineering offers a part-time (40%) fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Officer position at its St Lucia Campus, Brisbane. The role joins a new industry-linked research project exploring how AI data centres and critical minerals infrastructure can work together more efficiently, developing geospatial modelling and decision-support tools. The full-time equivalent base salary is $85,372.89 to $113,659.72 plus 17% superannuation (Academic Level A); visa sponsorship is not available.

Key responsibilities

• Develop research on geospatial modelling and interactive decision-support tools for co-locating AI data centres with critical minerals assets, focusing on water and energy optimisation and shared infrastructure.
• Collaborate on research projects and funding applications and turn research into real-world outcomes.
• Contribute to supervising and developing Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, giving feedback, coaching and professional development, and support research staff where appropriate.
• Engage in school and university activities, committees and service roles, and build links with industry, government and professional bodies.

Required profile

• 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.
• An emerging research profile in a relevant discipline.
• Evidence of publications in reputable refereed journals and conference presentations.
• Evidence of contributions to securing external research funding.
• Experience in internal service roles and external activities.

Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and answers to the 'About You' section through the university's online application; email applications are not accepted. Applications close on 17 November 2026. Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia and qualification checks.