Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the History and Management of Work Fatigue

• School of Communication and Arts

• Full-time, fixed term position for up to 22 months from January 2027 – November 2028 (starting dates negotiable)

• Base salary will be in the range $83,698 - $111,431 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)

• Based at our St Lucia campus

About This Opportunity

Join an exciting and intellectually vibrant research environment at one of Australia’s leading Universities, as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow contributing to the ARC-funded project: ‘The Cultural History of Fatigue’, based in the School of Communication and Arts.

This project investigates how the historical and cultural construction of workplace fatigue shapes the design and implementation of fatigue management technologies in an age of AI. Through historical research, stakeholder consultation, and focus-group studies, it will analyse and evaluate the impact of automated fatigue management technologies on diverse users. Expected outcomes include better understanding of end user experiences, recommendations for more equitable fatigue management, and co-developed models for product design that mitigate the risk of automated discrimination.

This is a unique opportunity for an emerging researcher to develop their research expertise, expand their academic profile, and contribute to a dynamic interdisciplinary project exploring how fatigue has been understood, represented, and experienced across cultures and historical periods.

We are looking for a motivated and creative Postdoctoral Research Fellow who will contribute to this project by offering methodological, disciplinary, or cultural expertise that will broaden the capabilities of the investigator team.

If you are passionate about advancing research, collaborating with leading academics, and shaping the future in this field, we encourage you to apply.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limed to:

Research

• Produce high-quality research outputs in line with disciplinary standards and develop a coherent research program and emerging research profile.

• Contribute to the collaborative research outputs and activities of the investigator team, including taking a lead on symposium and event organisation, and taking a leadership role in designing and recording a planned podcast series.

• Applications are welcome from a broad range of disciplines relevant to the project topic, including cultural studies, science and technology studies, history, anthropology, sociology, media studies, and management studies.

• We particularly welcome applications from candidates with proficiency in languages that extend the range of the existing research team, particularly non-European languages.

Citizenship and Service

• Demonstrate behaviours aligned with UQ values through collaboration, professionalism, and active participation in unit priorities.

• Contribute to the successful outcomes of the project by supporting the activities of the investigators and participating in the research culture of the School of Communication and Arts.

• Seek out opportunities to build external relationships with industry, government, professional bodies and the wider community, as relevant to the project.

This is a research focused, platform academic position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

About You

• Completion of a PhD in a field relevant to the project topic, including, but not limited to cultural studies, science and technology studies, history, anthropology, sociology, media studies, and management studies.

• An emerging profile in research in a relevant discipline area.

• Evidence of publications in refereed journals and presenting at conferences.

• Capacity to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary research environments.

• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities.

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. 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, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Elizabeth Stephens.

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume, cover letter, and responses to the ‘About You’ section.

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, and criminal history checks This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

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.

We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close Tuesday 30 June 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-61991).