"Research Associate"

Job Description:

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

The UNSW Institute for Climate Risk and Response (ICRR) brings together expertise from across the Faculties of Science, Business and Law and Justice. In partnership with industry, it drives an innovative research agenda and is a focus of debate on the risks and opportunities of our changing climate. As a leading voice in climate risk and response both nationally and in the Asia-Pacific it informs risk management frameworks and allows robust planning regarding the impacts of climate change for business, government and policy makers.

The Research Associate is integral to the development of the Institute for Climate Risk and Response (ICRR) and plays a key role in both becoming part of, and mentoring, the next generation of climate leaders through research student supervision and broader capacity-building activities.

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About the role

• $113K - $121K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 12 months
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role reports to the Director of the ICRR and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in one or more of the ICRR’s key research areas.
• Conduct research (as per the norms of the discipline) and/or enable research teams to create scholarly output that is recognised by peers.
• Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
• Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where required.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant (Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A PhD in a discipline related to climate risk and response, including, but not limited to: law, psychology, behavioural science, economics, business, public policy, climate science, data science, or other fields in which a demonstrable connection to the research priority areas of the ICRR can be made.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed above in your application.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact: Ben Newell
E: ben.newell@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: March 9th, 2026