"Postdoctoral Research Associate in Economic History"

• Full time, fixed term for 2 years
• Join a collaborative and supportive network of internationally renowned academics
• Base Salary $113,400 - $121,054 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Economics in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney are inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Economic History. The School is a key partner in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course (Life Course Centre), which investigates how social and economic disadvantage is transmitted across generations and communities.

The Life Course Centre brings together interdisciplinary researchers from Australian universities, government agencies, NGOs, and international affiliates.

This position is part of an exciting Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project awarded to Professors Marian Vidal-Fernandez and Jordi Vidal-Robert (University of Sydney), and Professors Michele Battisti and Sayantan Ghosal (University of Glasgow).

The research project, titled The Socio-Economic Impacts of Colonisation in Australia, encompasses a broad range of topics, including health, economic growth, inequality, and culture. The project draws on large-scale data collection and archival records, and applies a diverse set of methodologies such as text analysis and machine learning to assess the impact of colonisation.

About you

• PhD in Economics (awarded prior to commencement)
• interest in working in economic history
• experience working with large datasets
• ability to conduct independent research and lead the development of academic papers
• proven capacity to collaborate collegially within research teams to meet the aims and deadlines of the project
• evidence of a developing publication record and research potential

Desirable expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Applied microeconometrics
• Indigenous or economic history
• Economic Geography/ArcGis
• Machine learning
• Structural estimation

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Visa sponsorship is available.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact:

• Marian Vidal-Fernandez m.vidal-fdez@sydney.edu.au
• Jordi Vidal-Robert jordi.vidal-robert@sydney.edu.au
• Michele Battisti michele.battisti@glasgow.ac.uk
• Sayantan Ghosal sayantan.ghosal@glasgow.ac.uk

If you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Lena Jiang, Recruitment Operations by email to lena.jiang@sydney.edu.au.

The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Monday 01 December 2025 11:59 PM