Research Fellow, Grade 1

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

Griffith Law School contributes to the University’s culture and achievements through its own commitment to social justice and through offering a curriculum that is practical, critical and global in outlook. Griffith Law School is home to internationally renowned scholars who are at the forefront of legal research and reform. Our legal research has been consistently recognised by the Australian Research Council as 'above world standard'.

In 2017, the discipline of law at Griffith University was ranked 38th in the world, 3rd in Australia and 1st in Queensland (2017 Academic Ranking of World Universities).

The School is seeking an experienced Research Fellow to contribute to the project Growing food plant diversity in community gardens in Australia, funded by the Australian Research Council.

Key responsibilities will be to:

• Conduct research that contributes to the research objectives of the project Growing food plant diversity in community gardens in Australia.
• Curate large biophysical and spatial datasets and undertake statistical and geospatial modelling and analysis using R and GIS applications including presentation of findings.
• Conduct online survey and process quantitative survey data.
• Develop a good publication record in high impact, international, esteemed peer-reviewed journals and to seek competitive funding.
• Manage the preparation and formulation of publications, presentations and research reports arising from the research.
• Assist in mentoring and supervision of higher degree research candidates.
• Supervise Research Assistants and technical staff.

This is a fixed term (until end 2028), full-time position primarily based at Griffith University Gold Coast.  Two fractional appointments (at 0.5FTE) on a job-share arrangement may be considered.  As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.  Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range
The full-time equivalent base salary will be Research Fellow, Grade 1 in the range $91,705 - $107,420 per annum, plus 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $107,295 - $125,682 per annum.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD or equivalent qualifications/work experience in a relevant field.

You will also have:

• Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research and contribute to interdisciplinary projects aligned with defined objectives.
• Proven experience managing large biophysical/spatial datasets and undertaking statistical and geospatial analysis using R and GIS tools.
• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed international journals and capacity to secure or contribute to competitive research funding.
• Ability to prepare and coordinate high-quality publications, reports, and presentations for academic and stakeholder audiences.
• Experience supporting and mentoring HDR candidates, fostering research development and collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise research assistants/technical staff and effectively contribute to team-based research delivery.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver research outputs to deadlines.

Why Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the Qualifications section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details
• Names and contact details of at least three professional referees (no contact will be made without your permission)

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Professor Charles Lawson, Griffith Law School at [email protected] or Professor Catherine Pickering, School of Environment and Science at [email protected]

For application and recruitment advice, please contact Theresa Burke, Talent Acquisition Partner at [email protected]

Closing date: Wednesday, 3 June 2026 at 11:59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.