Centre for Marine Science
Full-time, fixed term position for up to 2 years
Base salary will be in the range $97,268.85 - $104,348.98 + 17% super (HEW Level 6)
This position is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates only, as a genuine occupational requirement, as the role works directly with Quandamooka organisations, Elders and community members to support Indigenous‑led and co‑developed research on Country
Based at our Moreton Bay Research Station, Minjerribah

Acknowledgement of Country

The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ operates. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society. 

About This Opportunity 

This identified role offers a meaningful opportunity to support Indigenous‑led and co‑developed environmental and cultural research on Minjerribah. Working predominantly in community and based at the Moreton Bay Research Station, the Senior Project Officer acts as a vital interface between Quandamooka organisations, Elders and community members, and UQ researchers. The role exists to strengthen respectful, community‑driven research partnerships and ensure research activity aligns with cultural protocols, community governance and shared priorities.

Key responsibilities will include: 

Coordinating and supporting multiple community‑led research projects, including planning, scheduling, milestone tracking and reporting.
Supporting culturally safe engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, Elders and community members, including meetings, workshops, yarning sessions and on Country activities.
Collating, organising and supporting analysis of project data, and contributing to accessible reports, maps and knowledge products that meet community needs.
Supporting clear communication and knowledge sharing between community partners and university researchers, including the return of research findings in agreed and culturally appropriate formats.

For further information, please click here to view the information booklet.

About You  

The University of Queensland considers that to perform this role, it is essential that the person is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. It is therefore a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld). The successful candidate will be required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

Demonstrated capability through relevant study or equivalent community-based cultural or professional experience to work effectively on environmental, research or Country-focused projects.
Strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and community dynamics, with the ability to work in accordance with cultural protocols, community guidance, and on-Country expectations.
Proven experience supporting project coordination, administration and reporting, with attention to accuracy, care and accountability.
Ability to respectfully gather, interpret and share scientific and cultural data in alignment with Indigenous Data Governance principles and culturally safe research practices.
Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with Elders, community members and research teams.
Confidence using digital tools such as Microsoft Office to support coordination, documentation and reporting.
Experience working in community-based settings and managing multiple responsibilities while meeting agreed timeframes.

Highly desirable:

An Aboriginal person who is a part of the Minjerribah |Terrangerri Quandamooka community or is known to the community.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will work alongside bright minds from around the world, united by a shared commitment to creating a better world. Excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued, and staff are supported through a wide range of benefits, including up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% superannuation, 17.5% leave loading, flexible and hybrid working options, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on‑campus childcare, affordable parking, salary packaging, and cultural leave.

UQ is committed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ learning, discovery and engagement, and to playing a leading role in reconciliation in Australia. Guided by our Strategic Plan, Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy, we work in partnership with communities to embed reconciliation across our operations. You will be supported to connect with vibrant staff networks, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network, and your cultural identity will be respected, valued and embraced.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Karen Cheney via k.cheney@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. 

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarizing how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section.

Other Information 

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

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 criteria 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 talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close Thursday 5 November 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-63610). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for mid to end of November 2026.

Acknowledgment of Country:

The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ is situated. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country.

Why Choose UQ?

At the University of Queensland, we are proud to be one of Australia’s leading research and teaching institutions, consistently ranking among the top 50 universities worldwide.

As a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities, UQ is widely recognised for its intensive focus on research and teaching excellence – evidenced by our numerous accolades including more teaching awards than any other Australian University and reflected in UQ being the number one recipient of ARC Fellowships and Awards nationally across all scheme years (totalling 452 awards worth $339 million).

Our state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and cutting-edge research centres offer unparalleled opportunities for academic and professional growth. With five faculties, a number of globally recognised research institutes, and over 100 research centres, we attract an interdisciplinary community of more than 7000 staff, supporting more than 55,000 current students from over 137 countries.

Career Development and Support:

UQ is dedicated to supporting the career aspirations of our students and staff. Our comprehensive career services provide personalized guidance, skills development, and networking opportunities to help you achieve your professional goals. Whether you are a student seeking internships and job placements or a staff member looking for career advancement, UQ is here to support you every step of the way.

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

UQ values equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to reflect the broader community by attracting and retaining high-quality staff from a range of backgrounds. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion aims to ensure that everyone at UQ feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential. We are particularly interested to hear from people who bring diversity to UQ – whether that be gender identity, LGBTQIA+, cultural and/or linguistic, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability.

Join the UQ Community:

Whether you are a recent graduate, an Academic, or an experienced professional, UQ offers a wide range of opportunities to help you grow and succeed. Explore our current job openings, discover our programs, and become part of a community that is dedicated to creating lasting, meaningful impact for the communities in which we live and work.

For more information about working at UQ and our employee benefits (such as generous leave provisions, 17% superannuation, flexible working arrangements, and health and wellness discounts) please visit Why Work at UQ.

Senior Project Officer (Moreton Bay Research Station) Identified s25