"Senior Research Officer (Targeted)"

Senior Research Officer (Targeted)

• Part time, 0.4FTE, fixed term position until 31 December 2026.  
• Opportunity to be part of a multi-disciplinary team working in Australian Research Council Discovery Indigenous architectural research project – Indigenising the Built Environment in Australia  
• Base Salary commencing from $103,185 + 17% superannuation  

About the opportunity

The School of Architecture, Design and Planning is a top-ranked School in Australia for Architecture and the Built Environment. The School has a broad range of research interests and a vibrant and supportive culture, with a commitment to social justice, student centred programs, multi-disciplinarity, staff professional development, and engagement with industry and the community. Click here for more information on our School. 

The University of Sydney supports and promotes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation at every level of study, work, and research. It is a core part of our purpose as a university. 

This is a targeted position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. This Exemption is claimed under Section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. 

The Senior Research Officer (Targeted) will join a small but growing research team led by Associate Professor Michael Mossman and Professor Donald McNeill. The successful applicant will work on a project jointly funded through an Australian Research Council Discovery Indigenous grant and University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning. The overall aim of this project is to report on the efficacy of the Architect’s Accreditation Council of Australia National Standard of Competency for Architecture (NSCA). The culturally informed project aims to survey and workshop First Nations specific Performance Criteria of the NSCA with New South Wales based Indigenous communities, universities, practices, peak bodies and allied disciplines.  

The Senior Research Officer will help coordinate and undertake data collection, data interpretation, development of publications and organisation of annual symposiums. Experience in architecture and the built environment in relation to Country and First Nations Communities and Culture is critical to advancing the processes and outcomes of this research project. They will be expected to apply and develop their expertise in conducting research and interactive activities.  

Your key responsibilities will be to: 

• work closely with and provide project support to Associate Professor Mossman and the project team. 
• work independently and as part of the research team, to undertake literature and policy reviews, qualitative research, including data collection, analysis and writing up of results. 
• undertake qualitative research field work independently and with the team, during 6 month intensive periods from March to September 2026 Sydney and surrounding regional areas. 
• analyse data obtained from Information Collecting Events and assess themes and key points 
• assist in the development and publication of a scoping review. 
• assist in coordination of data collection (Surveys and Yarning Workshops) with Communities, Universities, Practices, Peak Bodies and Allied Disciplines. 
• coordinate and record the project investigator meetings and workshops and assist in coordinating the Advisory Group meetings. 
• assist in all activities related to conduct of the research including in the reviewing and updating of research protocols and related documents, and in coordinating reporting to human research ethics committees. 
• assist to build and maintain strategic relationships by liaising, consulting, and negotiating with internal and external stakeholders to identify key issues as they relate to the research activities and help developing effective solutions to challenges that arise. 

About you 

• holds a PhD or research experience at masters level in a relevant discipline or work experience that holds commensurate value.  
• has demonstrated experience of applying research investigations in academic environments or in practice-based roles with a comparable level of responsibility.  
• has experience or welcomes opportunities to develop and contribute to research team by producing original, high quality and independent research.  
• demonstrates ability to perform and/or learn and apply qualitative data analyses tasks.  
• has ability to communicate effectively across a range of forums  
• has experiences and intends to develop capabilities in traditional and non-traditional research output manuscripts or report writing.  
• demonstrates accuracy, attention to detail and highly organized, with the ability to work according to strict timelines and manage various demands.  
• possesses strong problem-solving skills and the ability to use initiative and exercise sound judgement and ability to prioritise workload during busy periods.  
• has ability to work both independently and as part of a team, taking initiative and exercising sound judgement in resolving matters that may arise as part of normal daily work.  
• has ability to coordinate the development and implementation of symposium events, related coordination tasks and supporting social media collateral.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.  

Work Rights 

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.  

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 include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through 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.  

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, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Justyn Griffin, Recruitment Operations by email to justyn.griffin@sydney.edu.au .  

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 08 March 2026 11:59 PM