Industry Chair of Advanced Engineered and Composite Wood Products

The Opportunity

The AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures at the University of the Sunshine Coast is part of the national Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) network, supporting research and innovation in Australia’s forest and wood products sector. The Centre works alongside industry, government, and academic partners to advance sustainable forestry, maximise wood fibre use, and deliver climate-smart solutions. AFWICSF focuses on forest health and productivity, value-added products, supply chain efficiency, and integrated innovation, contributing to the national goal of growing a resilient, future-focused forest and wood products industry. The role will link to Programs 1 and 3 of the AFWI Vision, supporting the growth of Australia’s wood basket through improved utilisation of current resources and the development of innovative, carbon-friendly timber products

In this role, you will guide research that makes the most of timber resources, turning residues and underutilised fibre into high-quality, sustainable products for the built environment. You will explore ways to enhance engineered wood, support carbon-friendly building solutions, and integrate digital tools to improve efficiency and reuse. Working alongside industry and research partners, you will help translate research into practical solutions that strengthen local capability, support sustainable construction, and contribute to a thriving, future-focused wood products industry.

You will:

• build national recognition through research that makes a meaningful contribution to your discipline across Australia;
• provide leadership and mentorship to researchers, supporting projects with national impact;
• collaborate with external partners to deliver outcomes that strengthen the University’s reputation and benefit regional communities; and
• play an active role in advancing your discipline and contributing to the broader academic community.

As a Level E, you will also

• be recognised internationally as a leading expert, with research of global significance, including commercialisation, IP impact, and high citation influence;
• provide strategic leadership in teaching and scholarship, shaping policy, practice, and curriculum with international reach;
• lead high-impact engagement with industry, government, and communities, delivering outcomes that bring prestige and broader socio-economic, cultural, or environmental benefits; and
• contribute at the highest level to University governance and capacity-building, fostering excellence across academic and professional programs.

About you:

Our ideal candidate is an accomplished academic who brings clarity, purpose and influence to their research. You shape a thoughtful research agenda, lead significant projects, and communicate outcomes in ways that strengthen both your discipline and the University’s profile. You provide considered guidance to Higher Degree by Research candidates and early career colleagues, helping to build a strong and capable research community. You work confidently with industry, government and community partners, creating collaborations that enhance the reach and relevance of your work. You also contribute to the broader priorities of the University, supporting an inclusive, positive and high-performing academic environment. At this level, your national standing is well established, and your leadership helps advance the University’s reputation and its contribution to the region.

To be successful you will possess:

• A doctoral qualification (or equivalent standing) in timber engineering, wood science, materials engineering, or a related field, with national standing at Level D or international recognition at Level E.
• A well-defined research program supported by strong leadership of high-quality projects and clear impact in engineered timber, composites, or sustainable construction materials.
• Experience supervising Higher Degree by Research candidates and contributing to the discipline’s national or international research reputation.
• Demonstrated ability to translate research into practical, industry-ready outcomes, including advanced structural products, hybrid systems or circular economy solutions.
• Evidence of influencing industry practice, policy or standards to strengthen domestic capability and support sustainable construction.
• Contributions to academic administration, governance and service that support School and University development.

As a Level E, you will also possess:

• International recognition as a leading authority in the field, with a strong record of academic leadership and formative disciplinary impact.
• Significant leadership contributions that build research capacity and strengthen research culture at University, national and international levels.

Visit the website for application information.