2 x Full-time, fixed-term positions for up to 3 years
Academic Level A, B or C
Based at our St Lucia location
We invite applications for a research-focused academic to join the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav) at The University of Queensland. The UQ team focuses on testing fundamental physics with gravitational waves, including cosmology and gravitational wave theory, and applications from all areas of gravitational wave astrophysics are welcome. OzGrav was established in 2017 to explore the physics of black holes and warped space-time, and has recently received $35M in funding from the Australian Research Council to support Centre operations through 2031. The Centre actively engages in outreach, supports diversity in science, and provides opportunities for research translation and industry secondments.
UQ is one of several OzGrav nodes collaborating with leading Australian universities and international partners. The Centre offers a flexible research environment across the gravitational-wave spectrum, access to generous resources and travel support, and participation in large-scale projects. OzGrav is also home to the $5.2M supercomputer Ngarrgu Tindebeek, and members have the opportunity to contribute to the LIGO-Virgo- KAGRA Scientific Collaboration
Key responsibilities will include:
Research: Establish a research program, collaborate on research projects, seek and manage research funding, publish in reputable journals, utilize best practice research methodologies, and participate in project discussions.
Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise students, provide performance feedback and training, resolve conflicts.
Citizenship and Service: Develop partnerships, demonstrate leadership through mentoring, engage in internal service roles and committees, engage in outreach activities, 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.
For further information, please click here to view the information booklet.
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/work-from-home options and flexible start/finish times, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
Completion of a PhD in Astrophysics (or near completion for Level A).
Demonstrated achievements in gravitational-wave and/or cosmology research.
Demonstrated high standard of interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
Demonstrated ability to support OzGrav’s commitment to foster respectful, inclusive, and collaborative team environments.
Please view the above recruitment booklet for more information on the About You section for each level.
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 Tamara Davis tamarad@physics.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:
Cover letter addressing (1) the ‘About You’ section within the Appointment Booklet and (2) How your research complements and supplements the current research strengths at UQ and OzGrav. Please also indicate the academic level you are applying for.
Resume
One page research statement (what you would like to research in this position and how your past experience supports these goals)
Applicants invited for interview will be asked to present a short research seminar as part of the selection process to the interview panel. Research seminars and interviews will be arranged via Zoom with adequate notice provided to shortlisted candidates.
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 December 11 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-56667). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing 12 January 2026.