Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Geochemistry or Geochronology
Full-time, fixed-term position through to 22 February 2029.
Base salary will be in the range $85,373 to $113,660 plus 17% super, (Academic Level A).
Based at our St Lucia Campus.
About This Opportunity.
Join a visionary and collaborative research team investigating the history of climate and coral mortality in the Coral Sea Marine Park. Based within the Radiogenic Isotope Facility in UQ’s School of the Environment, you will contribute to the ARC Discovery Project, “Reconstructing climate and coral mortality in the Coral Sea Marine Park”, led by Professor Jian-xin Zhao, Dr Nicole Leonard and Professor Gregg Webb. Working alongside project investigators, laboratory specialists and international collaborators, you will use advanced geochemical and geochronological techniques to generate new insights into coral reef history, while building your research profile in a supportive environment equipped for high-impact discovery.
Key responsibilities will include, but not limited to:
Research: Produce high-quality research outputs in marine geochemistry and geochronology, palaeoecology and palaeoclimate reconstruction, including publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
Research: Prepare and analyse coral death assemblage samples, identify coral to genus level, undertake ion exchange column chemistry, perform high-precision U-Th isotope measurements/age dating and apply trace element geochemistry to reconstruction of past sea-surface temperature and other environmental parameters.
Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the effective co-supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, providing guidance in experimental design, laboratory techniques and data interpretation, while helping to foster a collaborative and safe laboratory environment.
Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate UQ values through purposeful collaboration, participation in priority activities, internal and external service, and the development of relationships with industry, government, professional bodies and the wider community.
This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.
About You
Completion, or near completion, of a PhD in a relevant field such as marine geology, geochemistry, geochronology or a closely related discipline.
An emerging research profile in geochemistry, geochronology, palaeoecology, palaeoclimate reconstruction or a relevant discipline.
Demonstrated knowledge of, and practical experience in, a HEPA-filtered ultra-clean isotope geochemistry laboratory environment.
Experience in sample preparation, ion exchange column chemistry, low-level trace element geochemistry and/or high-precision radiogenic isotope analysis.
Demonstrated experience in U-Th geochronology, MC-ICP-MS instrumentation or relevant radiogenic isotope analytical techniques.
Demonstrated ability to interpret geochemical and isotope data, preferably with relevance to palaeoclimatic and paleoenvironmental reconstructions.
A publication record commensurate with experience, together with excellent analytical, problem-solving, collaboration and communication skills.
Experience in coral identification and the use of ArcGIS or similar spatial interpretation software is desirable.
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.
Your research will connect with a wider community helping to deepen understanding of coral ecosystems and their resilience. Read about UQ research showing how longer-distance coral larval movement can strengthen coral populations, an example of the collaborative and globally relevant marine science being advanced across the University.
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 Professor Jianxin Zhao [email protected] or Dr Nicole Leonard [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.
When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume, cover letter, and responses to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.
Other Information
Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications. 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’re dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.
Applications close Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-68514).