Research Fellow in Environmental Engineering

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.

Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You'll find we're about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you'll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

The Griffith School of Engineering and Built Environment (EBE) offers a broad range of engineering programs and has an active research culture which has helped foster strong links with high schools and community groups plus key industries on a local, national and global level.

This Research Fellow position is funded by the Solving Plastic Waste Cooperative Research Centre, a multi-institution partnership between academia and industry that has secured investment from the Federal Government to develop solutions to tackle problems involving plastic waste over the next 10 years. The CRC aims to find innovative solutions for reducing plastic waste, improving recycling processes, and developing sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. Griffith University is one of the core research partners in the Solving Plastic Waste CRC.

This Research Fellow is a key position for the Solving Plastic Waste CRC and will work within Research Program 3 under the supervision of Dr Tingting Liu and Prof Rodney Stewart from Griffith University and alongside key personnel from the core industry partner City of Gold Coast. The goal of the research is to provide a roadmap and technologically sound pathways to holistically managing plastic waste streams in the city. This is a hands-on and industry-facing position. Most importantly, the position will lead the industry engagement, be able to derive viable plastic resource recovery solutions, know how to model plastic waste stocks and flows and the associated environmental and economic implications, and can collaboratively map out the viable pathways to improved plastic waste management in an urban city context.

The successful candidate will benefit from the extended Solving Plastic Waste education and training program including training in communications, innovation management and leadership; a wide range of industry leading micro-credentials; and an annual collaborative Design Challenge to develop innovative systems approaches to Solving Plastic Waste.

This is a fixed term (until 30 September2028), full time position primarily based at Griffith University Gold Coast, with the expectation of spending some time at the premises of the industry partners. As Griffith is a multi-campus University you may be required to work across other campus locations.

Griffith University's sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range

The full time equivalent base salary will be Research Fellow Grade 2 range $113,226 - $134,460 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $132,474 - $157,318 per annum.

What matters most is your drive to create a brighter future that benefits all. You will play a crucial role in shaping Australia's efforts to reduce plastic pollution, a project directly aligned with Griffith's core values of social responsibility and enhancing environmental sustainability.

You will also have:

• A PhD (or near completion of a PhD) in environmental engineering, waste/resource management, industrial ecology, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• Research expertise in waste management and the circular economy, with a track record of high-quality publications, reports, or industry engagement in plastic waste or resource recovery.
• Strong quantitative modelling and analytical skills, including experience with material flow analysis, life cycle assessment (LCA), or scenario modelling of waste management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with stakeholders, including government, industry, and community partners, and translate research findings into practical policy and business solutions.
• Proven project management capabilities, with experience planning, coordinating, and delivering complex research outputs on time across interdisciplinary teams.
• Advanced technical and data management skills, including proficiency with large datasets, statistical or computational tools, and adherence to research ethics and data security protocols.
• Innovative and solutions-focused mindset, capable of identifying and evaluating best-practice technological and policy pathways for plastic waste reduction, repurposing, and resource recovery.

Why Griffith?

As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading

How to apply

At Griffith, we're committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you're from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith's Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the qualifications above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details
• Names and contact details of at least three professional referees (no contact will be made without your permission)

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Dr Tingting Liu, Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering and Built Environment at [email protected].

For application and recruitment advice, please contact Ms Corinna Gartrell, Talent Acquisition Partner at [email protected].

For application support, please contact the Corporate Services Service Centre on and quote reference number REF8817H.

Closing date: Wednesday 12 November 2025 at 11:59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.