Job Description

• School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences

• Full-time, fixed-term position for up to 3 years

• Base salary will be in the range $78,871 - $105,004 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)

• Based at our St Lucia campus

About This Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences and work on the AI-Empowered and Video-Based uplift of Paralympic classification systems (funded through the Advance Queensland Industry Research Program, administered by FOME.ai).

Para sport classification systems aim to ensure fair competition such that events are not simply won by the athlete with the least severe impairment but by those with the most advantageous combination of physiology, psychology, coaching, technique and other factors. While current methods are based on the best available science, evidence-based systems of classification have not yet been developed. Furthermore, classification depends on face-to-face physical assessment and athletes can cheat by deliberately underperforming on effort-dependent tests.

Our team aims to create an AI-empowered mobile application to analyse device-based video, verify effort fidelity and deliver objective, evidence-based classification. The result will be high-quality, trusted classification that is cheap, accessible, and inclusive. Outcomes will permit creation and commercialisation of similar applications for in the injury insurance industry, rehabilitation, and aged care.

The project is a collaborative effort between the sports tech industry, computer vision experts and experts in Para sport science and classification, together with international industry partners. The successful candidate in this role will work with this diverse yet complimentary team.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research: Support research initiatives and projects, publish in reputable journals, participate in competitive research funding applications, support transfer of knowledge, utilize best practice research methodologies, and participate in project discussions.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise Honours and HDR students as required, deliver training for clinicians and classifiers to collect research-quality data, and resolve conflicts as they arise.

• Citizenship and Service: Work collegially in a large multi-professional team, active participation in project activities, contribute to internal service roles and administrative processes, and develop external links and partnerships.

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

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.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

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 including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

Applicants will be able to demonstrate:

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in Clinical or Sports Biomechanics, Exercise Science, Sport Science, or related field.

• Well-developed expertise in collection, storage and analysis of 3D motion capture data, preferably from a range of systems (e.g., Vicon, Qualsys, Optitrack).

• Experience with, or evidence of ability to acquire experience in emerging motion capture techniques (e.g., Markerless motion capture, wearable technologies) in both fine and gross motor skills,

• Demonstrate excellent expressive and receptive communication skills with a wide array of audiences – participants, parents, coaches, researchers, gatekeepers, sports organisations, medical and allied health professionals.

• Well-developed communication, interpersonal and consultative skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from a multidisciplinary background.

• An emerging profile in research in the discipline area.

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

• Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia and education check.

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.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Sean Tweedy at s.tweedy@uq.edu.au. For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
 

Want to Apply?

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Resume

• Cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the ‘About You’ section

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close Friday 17th January 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-46437). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Friday 31st January 2025.