Research Associate in Road Safety

School of Law and Society, UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs

Level A, $83,148 - $112,588 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation

Full-time, fixed term appointment until April 2027

The School of Law and Society is seeking a motivated early career researcher to support the MAIC UniSC Road Safety Research Collaboration. In this role, you will work closely with academic staff on established road safety projects while contributing to the development of new research initiatives. You will be involved across the full research lifecycle, including scoping, design, data collection, analysis and publication, helping deliver high-quality, evidence-based insights that inform policy and practice.

This is an excellent opportunity to grow your research profile within a collaborative and applied research environment focused on real-world impact.

You will:

• Contribute to collaborative road safety research projects, supporting study design, data collection, analysis and reporting;
• Assist with fieldwork, surveys and stakeholder engagement, including liaison with government and industry partners under academic supervision;
• Support the preparation of publications, presentations and research outputs for academic and non-academic audiences;
• Participate in research development activities, including contributing to grant applications and co-supervising Honours or HDR students where appropriate.

About you

You are an emerging researcher building your academic profile and keen to apply your skills to meaningful, applied research. You bring a solid understanding of research methodologies and enjoy working as part of a collaborative team. Organised and proactive, you are comfortable managing project tasks and contributing to multiple activities simultaneously. You communicate clearly with both technical and general audiences and are motivated to grow your expertise in road safety research within the Queensland context.

You will possess:

• Completion or near-completion of a doctoral qualification in Psychology or Criminology or associated postgraduate qualification;
• Demonstrated research experience, including knowledge of research design, data collection and analysis methods relevant to the field;
• Evidence of, or potential for, quality refereed publications and contribution to research teams;
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with academic and external stakeholders;
• A collegial, ethical and proactive approach that supports a positive and high performing research environment.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences.

Applications for this position close midnight, Monday 6 April 2026. Your completed application must include: a resume and a statement of suitability (not to exceed two pages), which will be reviewed in alignment to the specified selection criteria as outlined within the position description.

In particular, applicants should note the following key criteria in their statement of suitability:

• Completion or near-completion of a doctoral qualification in Psychology, Criminology, or an associated postgraduate qualification.
• Quality and trajectory of their track record relative to opportunity.

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways.

Benefits

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.