"Postdoctoral Research Fellow"

Job Description

• Full-time, Fixed-term position at Academic Level B until 18 September 2026 (Maternity Leave Backfill).
• Parramatta South campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: $120,908 – $142,769 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Advance impactful research that informs policy, equity and community outcomes across Western Sydney.

The Opportunity

The Centre for Western Sydney plays a crucial role in driving research that informs decision making, planning and advocacy for the region. As the Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will contribute to major research projects that address the opportunities and challenges shaping Western Sydney’s future. Working closely with the Director, Chief Economist and specialist staff, you will help design and deliver research that is rigorous, policy-relevant and community informed.

You will coordinate and lead research activities across qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods approaches, including literature reviews, fieldwork, data analysis, ethics submissions and management of research budgets. You will develop partnerships with research organisations, government and community groups, contributing to publications, reports and engagement outputs that extend the impact of the Centre’s work.

This role also provides an opportunity to support the Centre’s monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment activities. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the University and with external partners, contributing to research that drives equity and strengthens the region’s social, economic and cultural outcomes.

What Success Looks Like

• Deliver high-quality research that aligns with the Centre’s strategic objectives and partner needs.
• Produce clear, well-evidenced research outputs including reports, publications and presentations.
• Apply mixed-methods analytical techniques to generate robust and actionable insights.
• Manage research budgets, timelines and ethics processes with accuracy and professionalism.
• Contribute positively to team culture, collaboration and engagement with internal and external partners.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details:

About You

• A PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as economics, sociology, geography, law, politics or cultural studies.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering research projects, including literature reviews, ethics applications and analysis.
• Experience conducting qualitative fieldwork and/or quantitative data analysis.
• Strong writing skills demonstrated through reports, publications or briefings.
• Ability to manage multiple intersecting deadlines, priorities and stakeholder expectations.

Benefits

We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Beyond a rewarding career, we offer a suite of benefits designed to support your physical, financial, and family wellbeing:

• Fitness Passport: Access hundreds of gyms and pools across the state.
• Onsite Childcare: Convenient facilities with exclusive staff discounts and salary packaging options.
• Financial Benefits: Salary sacrifice options for onsite parking and novated motor vehicle leasing,
• Holistic Support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) along with discounted retail and private health cover.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Azadeh Dastyari, Director, Centre for Western Sydney via A.Dastyari@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF972I.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Wednesday 4th March 2026.
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of your working rights in Australia at time of application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.

Belonging at Western

We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.

About Western

This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.