VIDEO
Empowering First Responders to Manage Heat Stress Risk
Academic Level B, Salary Range $116,403 pa - $137,865 pa plus 17% Super
Full Time, Fixed Term Opportunity (until July 2029)
About us:
At the University of Canberra, we’re a welcoming and connected academic community shaped by the people, cultures and environments of Australia’s capital. Our research focuses on real-world challenges, working alongside partners to create outcomes that matter, while our teaching builds confidence and capability for the future. Ranked number one in Canberra for graduate employment, skills development and student support, UC is a place where you can grow ideas, contribute knowledge, and make a difference.
About the role:
Are you passionate about advancing research that protects the health, safety and performance of first responders operating in challenging environments?
The University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise (UCRISE) is seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Environmental Physiology Laboratory and play a leading role in a nationally significant research project funded by Natural Hazards Research Australia. The project aims to improve the health, wellbeing and operational resilience of rural and bushfire firefighters by developing evidence-informed strategies to manage heat stress risks in increasingly demanding thermal environments. Working closely with Professor Julien Périard, a recognised leader in environmental physiology, the position contributes to research that has real-world impact across emergency services and public safety sectors.
Key responsibilities include:
The Postdoctoral Fellow will play a key role in the design, implementation and delivery of innovative research investigating human responses to environmental stressors. Other responsibilities include:
Conducting laboratory, field and survey-based research studies.
Investigating physiological, perceptual, behavioural, cognitive and psychological responses to environmental stress.
Developing and applying research methodologies and thermophysiological approaches.
Preparing high-quality academic publications, technical reports and conference presentations.
Assisting with competitive grant applications and the development of future research initiatives.
Supporting the ongoing management and development of laboratory facilities
About you:
To be successful in this role, you will bring a strong research background in environmental physiology, thermal physiology, exercise physiology or a closely related discipline, along with a passion for translating research into practical outcomes. You will demonstrate:
Experience measuring physiological and behavioural responses
Strong quantitative research and data analysis skills
Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research
A track record of peer-reviewed publications relative to opportunity
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple project priorities Experience with thermo-physiological modelling (highly regarded) Survey design and implementation experience will be advantageous Experience in firefighting and field work (highly regarded)
Offerings/ Benefits/ Culture:
The University offers excellent conditions and benefits which can be further explored on our “Work at UC ” site such as flexible, family-friendly policies, on site gym, on site medical services, a grocery store, and Early Childhood Education and Care facilities.
We believe people deserve to feel welcome, supported, and empowered to realise their potential. Being a values based organisation, UC sets a goal to be the national sector leader in equity, diversity, inclusion and access via our Reconnected Strategy . UC encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, neurodiversity and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Elilibility:
A completed PhD in environmental physiology, exercise physiology, human physiology, biomedical sciences or a related field.
WWVP or ability to obtain.
How to apply: Please apply with you CV and a cover letter (2 pages max) outlining your interest and suitability based on the requirements listed on the Position Description .
If you are shortlisted, you may be asked to complete a written assessment as part of the evaluation process.
For job specific information: please contact Professor Julien Périard - Institute Director, UCRISE - Julien.Periard@canberra.edu.au - 02 6206 8540
For recruitment and application questions: please contact the Talent Solutions team on 02 6206 3867 or email uctalent@canberra.edu.au . We recognise people communicate and process information differently, and we support multiple ways to participate in the recruitment evaluation. For reasonable adjustment, please reach out to the UCTalent team.
Closing date: 11.55pm, Monday 05 October 2026
