A Postdoctoral Research Fellow plays a major role in research by leading research projects and supervising
candidates for higher degrees by research. Evidence of the level of research can be demonstrated through
publications in quality journals of national/international standing, National Competitive Grants and leadership
as a supervisor and mentor. They make significant connections with and impact on their discipline/field, which
is recognised and acknowledged by peers nationally.
In research, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Level A) is developing their research profile. They make positive
contributions to research projects; co/supervise honours students and candidates for higher degrees by
research; participate in research teams; and are developing a track record of publishing in quality refereed
journals. Whereas, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Level B) has launched a research track record and is further
developing their research profile. They make positive contributions to research projects; supervise honours
students and candidates for higher degrees by research; play a part in successful grant applications; and are
developing a track record of publishing in quality refereed journals
All staff are expected to contribute to the achievement of the University’s strategic goals and priorities and
provide service to the University commensurate with their level of appointment and the opportunities available
to them.
Duties can include:
1. Be an effective researcher and provide leadership in research and research training by:
Purposefully developing focused expertise in a relevant discipline/field;
Developing a research agenda and participating in a research team(s);
Framing research problems and researchable hypotheses;
Designing and conducting research projects and writing research reports;
Communicating research outcomes to both expert and lay audiences through publishing;
Successfully applying for research grants, particularly external competitive grants;
Successfully supervising candidates for higher degrees by research; and
Contributing to the development and maintenance of a positive academic environment that is
conducive to high levels of engagement and standards of performance in research.
Undertaking socio-economic research associated with ACIAR funded projects in the Philippines, Papua
New Guinea and Vanuatu, along with other countries as required.
Coordinating gender-based research across ACIAR projects based within the Tropical Forests and
People Research Centre.
Establishing and maintaining research relationships with in-country research partners.
Analysis of data to produce peer-reviewed scientific articles in top-tier journals.
Development of new grant proposals for continuation of work beyond the postdoctoral period.
General assistance to the ACIAR Project Leaders in the fulfilment of research and capacity building
objectives of the respective projects.
2. Maintain substantial involvement in professional/community service as a scholarly practice through which
discipline knowledge and skills are applied to consequential problems in the world beyond the University.
3. Provide service to the University by contributing to the definition and achievement of its goals and
enable it to be a healthy organisation and can include:
Developing and maintaining strategic and productive partnerships, connections and relationships
with people, groups and organisations at local, national and international levels; and
Communicating appropriately and effectively with students, other staff and individuals outside the
University.
4. Other duties within the range of skills normally associated with this classification, including those
associated with an evolving research, teaching, learning and professional environment.
This may include participation in undergraduate teaching and supervision of Honours and HDR students.
Selection Criteria:
For appointment at Level A or Level B, applicants will be considered and ranked according to the quality and
trajectory of their track record, relative to opportunity within the areas of research priority at USC.
Applicants need to demonstrate:
1. Completion of a doctoral qualification in a relevant field of social science, combined with an undergraduate
degree or equivalent with a major in one or more core social science disciplines and experience with
qualitative social science research methods.
2. Research experience including acknowledged research outputs, refereed publications in leading, high-
impact, peer-reviewed social science journals, participation in diverse and interdisciplinary research teams
and a research track record in forestry or natural resource management and sound knowledge of research
methodologies relevant to the discipline/field.
3. Outreach activities (including engagement with external partners), including membership of and sound
connections with relevant professional bodies and community groups and/or in professional practice.
4. Contribution to the development and maintenance of a positive academic environment which is conducive
to engagement and achievement for both staff and students.
5. Strong personal qualities and collegial approaches that contribute to the development and maintenance
of a positive academic environment and the development of new partnerships.
6. The desire to participate in academic development activities and continue to learn and improve as an
effective academic.
7. Experience in conducting fieldwork in rural communities.
8. The ability to meet deadlines and complete independent work.
Desirable criteria:
9. Previous experience in working in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
10. Three to five years of pre or post PhD experience in undertaking research in forestry or natural resource
management and gender research.