Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Australian Internet Observatory)

School of Communication and Arts and Centre for Digital Cultures and Societies

Full-time, fixed-term position until 30 June 2028

Appointment will be at Academic Level A or B:

Academic Level A base salary will be in the range $82,057.75 - $109,246.18 + 17% Superannuation

Academic Level B base salary will be in the range $114,824.05 - $136,048.72 + 17% Superannuation

Based at our vibrant and picturesque St Lucia Campus

School of Communication and Arts and Centre for Digital Cultures and Societies

Full-time, fixed-term position until 30 June 2028

Appointment will be at Academic Level A or B:

Academic Level A base salary will be in the range $82,057.75 - $109,246.18 + 17% Superannuation

Academic Level B base salary will be in the range $114,824.05 - $136,048.72 + 17% Superannuation

About This Opportunity

We’re seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow or Research Fellow to join the Centre for Digital Cultures and Societies as part of the Australian Internet Observatory, a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) and leading university partners.

Join a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional team developing innovative methods to study digital and social media environments. Lead independent research and contribute to collaborative efforts aimed at improving the observability of digital platforms.
 

A key focus of your work will be developing the citizen science program, enabling diverse communities across Australia to contribute data about their experiences with digital platforms, shaping the future of platform research and policy.
 

You will also contribute to the design and development of a participant-facing data donation platform and a suite of tools for researchers to manage and visualise digital data. Working closely with researchers and developers, you will help identify challenges, propose solutions, and improve user interfaces based on feedback and testing.

You can learn more about the Australian Internet Observatory here: https://internetobservatory.org.au/about
 

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: 

• 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.
• Teaching: Contribute to a limited amount of coursework teaching, as appropriate.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the effective supervision of research assistants, Honours and Higher Degree by Research students (as appropriate).
• Citizenship and Service: Develop partnerships, engage in internal service roles and committees, perform administrative functions, 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.

About Uq

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/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in Design, Interaction Design, Human Computer Interaction, Media Studies, Cultural Studies, Science and Technology Studies, Sociology, Anthropology or another relevant discipline relating to the Centre of Digital Cultures and Societies’ research programs and the Australian Internet Observatory.
• You will also have a background in designing clean, intuitive, easy-to-use digital tools and experiences and experience conducting user research to incorporate back into designs.
• Please refer to the Appointment Booklet for selection criteria per appointment level.
• The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, education check.
• 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.
• You will also have a background in designing clean, intuitive, easy-to-use digital tools and experiences and experience conducting user research to incorporate back into designs.

Please refer to the Appointment Booklet for selection criteria per appointment level.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, education check.

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.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Nicholas Carah at n.carah@uq.edu.au. For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want To Apply?

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Responses to the ‘About You’ section

Other Information

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.

We know one of our strengths 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. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close Friday 7 November 2025 at 11.00 pm AEST (R-56242).