Help shape Australia’s net-zero future within UQ Business School
Full-time, fixed-term position for up to 12 months
Base salary will be in the range $85,372.89 - $113,659.72 + 17% super (Academic Level A)
Based at our vibrant St Lucia Campus
Join a world-leading research initiative helping shape Australia's transition to a net-zero future. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow within the Net Zero Australia project, you'll undertake cutting-edge research into the financial pathways needed to accelerate large-scale clean energy deployment and industrial decarbonisation. This includes understanding challenges and costs of mobilising ‘at risk’ capital to finance Australia’s clean energy and industrial decarbonisation infrastructure. Examining bankability requirements for technologies and enabling infrastructure will be a core focus of this work. Working alongside a distinguished supervisory team from The University of Queensland and Princeton University, you'll contribute to high-impact, policy-relevant research that informs decision-makers and delivers meaningful real-world outcomes.
Key responsibilities will include
Research: Establish and contribute to a coherent research program focused on financing the energy transition, including analysis of risk-capital requirements for both bankable and emerging technologies, development of frameworks for assessing systemic bankability, preparation of topical research reports, publish in high quality outlets, collaborate on projects, and support research funding applications. Engaging with developers, financiers, policy makers and institutional investors to ensure research is grounded in real world investment decision making, including analysis of pathways for accelerating capital allocation and project deployment.
Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the supervision of Honours and HDR students, support researcher development, and provide mentorship and feedback.
Citizenship and Service: Engage in collaborative, inclusive team activities, contribute to internal service roles and committees, and help build external partnerships with industry, government, and community stakeholders.
This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance
You are an ambitious early career researcher or experienced industry professional who is passionate about accelerating the global energy transition. You thrive on solving complex, real-world challenges and enjoy working at the intersection of research, policy and industry. With strong analytical skills and a collaborative approach, you're motivated by the opportunity to produce research that informs investment decisions, shapes policy and contributes to a more sustainable future.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
A PhD (or be nearing completion) in a relevant discipline such as economics, finance, energy systems, public policy, engineering or business; or a Master's degree/MBA with at least two years' relevant industry experience.
An emerging research profile, demonstrated through high-quality publications or equivalent industry or professional outputs.
Knowledge of, or a strong interest in, the energy transition, infrastructure finance, climate policy or industrial decarbonisation.
Experience contributing to research projects and/or research funding applications.
The ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and build productive relationships with academic, industry and government stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong organisational skills, sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities while delivering high-quality outcomes.
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.
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.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Belinda Wade via email b.wade@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, cover letter, and responses to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.
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 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 Tuesday 11 August 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-66205). Please note applications will be reviewed as received. Candidates may be interviewed prior to the job closing date. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
