Industry Fellow in Total Fibre Recovery and Value Chain Innovation

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. This position will link to Programs 1 and 2 of the AFWI Vision, contributing to growing and expanding Australia’s wood basket through improved utilisation of current resources, innovative land management, and afforestation strategies.

In this role, you will work with industry and research leaders to support a more sustainable and efficient forestry and wood products sector. You will focus on improving how fibre is recovered and used, strengthening the economics of new plantations and agroforestry systems, and supporting the development of timber products that are better for the environment. Your work will connect research with real-world outcomes, helping to enhance sustainability, resource efficiency, and value across the supply chain, while contributing to a more resilient and forward-looking forestry sector.

You will:

• deliver research with clear social, cultural, environmental, or commercial value, and contribute to the success of grants and projects;
• provide considerate and supportive supervision to Higher Degree by Research candidates;
• contribute to the ongoing growth of your discipline in ways recognised by peers; and
• build constructive industry and community partnerships that strengthen research and student engagement.

As a Level D, you will also

• guide nationally recognised research, with a sustained record of competitive grants and major project leadership;
• provide mentorship and contribute to the national and, sometimes, international, advancement of your field;
• nurture strategic partnerships across local, national, and international contexts that deliver significant outcomes for the University, partners, and communities; and
• strengthen the academic environment by modelling positive leadership and supporting a collaborative research culture.

About you:

You’re someone who values working alongside communities and brings a strong commitment to culturally respectful and inclusive ways of working. You enjoy contributing your expertise through research that advances knowledge, explores meaningful questions, and creates positive outcomes for students, communities, and your field. You take pride in fostering strong, ethical relationships, building partnerships with industry, government, and community organisations, and collaborating in ways that support shared learning and real-world impact. You’re motivated to support research growth, contribute to knowledge-sharing, and participate in activities that strengthen connections between the University and the communities it serves.

To be successful you will possess:

•  A doctoral qualification in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Recognised contributions to applied research in fibre recovery, utilisation, and mobilisation, with tangible commercial and environmental impact and active collaboration with industry and other stakeholders.
• Experience supervising and mentoring Higher Degree by Research students, supporting their development and success.
• Leadership that fosters a positive, engaging academic environment and a commitment to ongoing professional growth.
• The ability to build and maintain partnerships that deliver value for the University, students, industry, and the wider community.

As a Level D, you will also possess:

• A coherent research program with sustained high-quality outputs and demonstrable impact.
• Experience providing research leadership, mentoring early-career researchers, and contributing to academic service.
• Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships at regional, national, and international levels.

For application info, visit the website.