Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Mathematical Ecology and Environmental Decision Science

• School of Mathematics and Physics

• Full-time, fixed-term position for up to 2 years and 9 months with the possibility up to 3 years, depending on funding availability.

• Base salary will be in the range of $80,448.78 - $107,104.10 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)

• Based at our St Lucia location

About This Opportunity 

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an exciting Australian Research Council Discovery Project, “Resolving the value of information paradox for ecological management.” This is a unique opportunity to develop your expertise and grow your emerging research profile in mathematical ecology, mathematical epidemiology, or environmental decision science. You will work as part of a dynamic interdisciplinary team to build new mathematical frameworks that directly inform real-world ecological and environmental decision-making.

This project tackles a central paradox in environmental management: while decision-makers often view information gathering as essential, mathematical theory frequently suggests its value is low. This misalignment creates a gap between modelling and practice. The research will focus on developing new theory to explain why conventional models undervalue information, and then use this understanding to improve management recommendations across ecological contexts. You will help drive innovative approaches to generalise value of information theory and apply them to critical biodiversity, fisheries, disease, and invasive species challenges.

Key responsibilities will include: 

Research

• Lead peer-reviewed publications in high-quality journals.

• Develop and apply mathematical and/or statistical methodologies for quantifying the value of information for improving decisions in biodiversity conservation, fisheries, and/or disease management

• Develop a coherent research program and an emerging research profile in mathematical ecology or mathematical epidemiology.

• Participate in applications for competitive research funding to support projects and activities.

• Lead and manage global collaborations with academics and practitioners in the development of joint research projects, peer-reviewed publications, and applications for competitive research funding support.

• Contribute to progressing towards the transfer of knowledge, technology and practices to research end users through translation.

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 

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in applied mathematics, mathematics, statistics, operations research, mathematical ecology, mathematical epidemiology, or other relevant field.

• Demonstrated working knowledge of applied probability theory, dynamic modelling, and/or optimisation/decision-theory.

• An emerging research profile in the discipline area.

• Evidence of publications in high-quality refereed journals and presenting at conferences.

• Some demonstrated working knowledge of ecology, biodiversity conservation, environmental science, fisheries, sustainability, or epidemiology is desirable.

• Some evidence of contributions towards obtaining external research funding is desirable but not required.

• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities is desirable but not required.

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. Applications from international candidates will be considered but Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment and candidates would be expected to secure their own suitable visa to progress.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Matthew Holden via m.holden1@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.
 

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 addressing 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 talent@uq.edu.au.

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 31 July 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-53718). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for mid August 2025.