Sustainable Minerals Institute / The WH Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre (BRC)
Full-time (100%), fixed-term position through to December 2027
Base salary will be in the range $168,593.23 - $185,573.62 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level D)
Based at our St Lucia Campus
This is an exciting opportunity to lead and grow the Deep Mining Geoscience (DMG) group, expanding its research impact, fostering new industry partnerships, and promoting collaboration across the University.
We’re seeking an Associate Professor and Principal Research Fellow with a recognised track record of excellence in research and mining industry experience. You will play a key role in advancing the DMG agenda, securing external funding, and delivering innovative solutions to industry. At this level, a strong contribution to service and engagement is expected.
Key responsibilities will include:
Research:
Maintain a record of outstanding contributions in deep mining geoscience through high-impact publications in international journals, refereed conference proceedings, and industry reports.
Secure major external funding through grants and industry partnerships
Lead DMG research across six key themes from the DMG White Paper (Geoscience Characterisation (data acquisition, integration, and modelling), Rock Mass Conditioning technologies, Geo-risk Management and hazard modelling, Material Flow in Deep Cave Mines, Mining Method Design Improvements, Education and professional training.)
Deliver applied solutions, guidelines, and geohazard models to support mining industry practices
Represent UQ and DMG at academic, professional, and industry forums
Drive funding initiatives as chief investigator for major research projects, including actively seeking, obtaining and managing research funding.
Translate research into practice, including commercialisation of UQ intellectual property
Contribute to discipline service through editorial and leadership roles
Teaching: Contribute to postgraduate and professional education in mass mining and geotechnical engineering, including the development of Master 's-level courses and online training modules. Deliver high-quality teaching and mentoring that reflects international best practice and industry needs
Supervision and Researcher Development: Act as Principal Supervisor for HDR students, ensuring timely and successful completions. Mentor early-career researchers and professional staff, building team capability in applied mining geoscience. Successfully build and lead a research team, developing and mentor more junior academics and researchers.
Citizenship and Service: Contribute to the governance and strategic leadership of the BRC and SMI. Actively engage in external service through professional societies, editorial boards, and technical review boards for major mines. Build enduring partnerships with global mining companies, governments, and research organisations. Provide support to colleagues and uphold university values.
This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.
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, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
Demonstrated practical expertise and experience in either Mining Engineering, Geomechanics, Geoscience, or a closely related discipline.
International recognition in the area of expertise and an excellent record of publications in reputed refereed journal and presenting at conferences.
Evidence of translating research into practice, including contributions to improved mine design, safety, and reliability in deep and complex mining environments.
Proven ability to lead and manage large, multi-stakeholder research projects and to secure significant external funding through competitive grants, industry partnerships, and international collaborations.
Ability to successfully lead a research team, with an excellent record of successfully seeking, obtaining and managing significant external research funding from institutional and commercial sources.
Experience in developing and delivering postgraduate teaching and/or professional training programs for industry.
Well-developed communication, interpersonal and consultative skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from a multidisciplinary background.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, education check.
Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Andre Van As a.vanas@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.
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 responding to 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.
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 Friday 9 January 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-57364).