Full-time, fixed-term position for 18 months
Base salary will be in the range $85,372 - $113,659 + 17% super (Academic Level A)
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Join a globally recognised, research-intensive university and contribute to meaningful change in agricultural systems and livelihoods. At UQ, you will be part of a collaborative, inclusive and purpose-driven community, working alongside leading experts and partners to deliver impactful research outcomes that shape sustainable futures.
This position supports a research and development activity funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, examining institutional innovations for cattle market-chain development in Lao PDR. You will join a collaborative research team based at UQ Gatton, contributing to agricultural economics research and engaging with diverse stakeholders across academia, industry and government.
The project will examine how pricing, bargaining, market information, animal verification, weighing and payment arrangements, and animal-health arrangements linked to market access affect smallholder participation in beef cattle markets in northern Lao PDR. The research will identify, assess and undertake small-scale testing of practical interventions to improve how cattle markets operate.
Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Take primary responsibility for economic and institutional analysis of cattle market chains in Lao PDR, working under broad direction and exercising independent judgement in the design and conduct of the research.
Lead or contribute to the design and implementation of surveys, interviews and other research activities.
Undertake quantitative and qualitative data analysis using appropriate economic and statistical methods.
Work collaboratively with researchers at UQ and the National University of Laos and engage with government, industry and cattle market-chain stakeholders.
Contribute to advising higher degree research students.
Undertake periods of fieldwork and project travel in Lao PDR. Approximately four trips are anticipated during the appointment, generally lasting one to two weeks each, subject to project requirements and travel approvals.
This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance
We are seeking an early-career researcher who is eager to build a profile in applied agricultural economics research and progress project activities with initiative under broad direction. A PhD is not required for this position.
You will demonstrate:
A relevant qualification in agricultural economics, economics, rural development or a related field, together with relevant applied research experience.
Skills in applied research, such as agricultural market, value-chain and institutional analysis.
Experience designing, conducting and analysing surveys and integrating quantitative and qualitative evidence.
Ability to assess the costs, benefits, risks and distributional effects of proposed interventions using appropriate methods.
Evidence of high-quality research outputs, such as journal articles or reports.
Ability to work effectively across cultures and in international agricultural development settings.
Effective communication skills, including engagement with academic, industry and policy audiences.
A commitment to fostering inclusive, respectful and collaborative research environments.
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.
In addition, our Gatton Campus houses innovative research and teaching facilities in agriculture, animal science, veterinary science and the environment. We’ve partnered with government, industry and donors to invest in major research infrastructure, facilities and technologies, including: the largest solar research facility in the Southern Hemisphere, the state of the art Queensland Animal Sciences Precinct, and over 1000 hectares of farms
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Adam Komarek at a.komarek@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.
Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, criminal history checks. 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 Wednesday 19 August 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-67044)
