Social Scientist - Sustainable Development Reform Hub - Faculty of Law and Justice

Apply now Job no:522740
Work type:full time
Location:Sydney, NSW
Categories:Post Doctoral Research Associate, Senior Research Associate

• Employment Type: Full time
• Duration: Continuing (Contingent Funded Research)
• Remuneration: Level B from $119,440+ 17% superannuation
• Location: Kensington, NSW Australia

About us:

The SDR Hub , established by the UNSW Faculty of Law and Justice in 2022, aims to connect knowledge and people to make small steps towards big changes. It creates safe spaces for changemakers—from government, business, and wider society—to plan pragmatic action for a sustainable low-carbon future informed by knowledge and insights from across the world.

The SDR Hub builds on diverse research, education, and knowledge exchange partnerships aligned with global sustainable development commitments to drive forward the implementation of innovative and transformative workstreams. Currently active in over 20 countries, the SDR Hub works closely with decision-makers across government, international institutions, local communities, and the private and non-private sectors to create new approaches to decision-making as well as bold and intelligent reforms.

Why This Role Matters:

The SDR Hub works closely with decision makers in governments around the world and in the private sector. We specialise in high impact work that is directly linked to decision making processes nationally and internationally.

Our team is made up of multi-disciplinary focussed researchers who are working on topics at the intersections of economics, politics, law, environmental management, data science and development.

As the SDR Hub Post-Doctoral Fellow (Social Science Specialist), you will contribute towards the research effort of the SDR Hub through identifying opportunities to integrate social and equity considerations across the research portfolio, while developing their research expertise through the pursuit of defined projects relevant to their particular field. You will work to understand how bespoke surveys, standardised data sets, and qualitative data can inform government policy and decision making in the marine environment, thereby developing an equitable and sustainable ocean economy.

The role of SDR Hub Post-Doctoral Fellow reports to the SDR Hub Director and has no direct reports.

Accountabilities

Specific accountabilities for this role include (but are not limited to):

• Contribute social science expertise as a team member in collaborative interdisciplinary research concerning topics: sustainable development of the ocean economy and ocean-based sectors, sustainable development policy and practise partnerships with countries around the globe, design of legislative and policy enabling frameworks for Beyond GDP development, sustainable development of natural capital and ecosystem services.
• Collaborate with colleagues across all relevant projects within the Hub to support the broad spectrum of work being undertaken. This role will focus on the integration of social and equity considerations across the breadth of the research portfolio of the Hub.
• Disseminate findings to create scholarly impact which is globally and locally recognised by peers through academic journal articles, conferences and presentations, and publicly accessible knowledge products that advance the utilisation of disciplinary knowledge.

Skills and Experience

• A PhD in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience in policy advisory positions including for government, consultancies, or in applied research.
• Demonstratable experience in one or more of the following areas;
  • Qualitative and quantitative research methods and techniques
  • Societal and equity considerations as they relate to marine and coastal issues
  • Social aspects of natural capital accounting
  • Understanding of how to assess cultural and social capital
  • Integration of qualitative local knowledge into traditional scientific systems
  • Design and delivery of bespoke surveys, preferably using survey software
  • Use and/or implementation of national surveys such as the Household Income and Expenditure Surveys
• Demonstrated track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership.
• A track record of significant involvement with the academic profession and proven ability to also write for a policy audience.
• Knowledge of, and experience in, the marine area would be an advantage.

To view the comprehensive list of the accountabilities and the skills and experience please refer to the position description. A copy of the position description can be found below the job ad at jobs@unsw.

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
• Career development opportunities
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments (pro rata)
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period (pro rata)
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits

This role is being offered as Continuing Contingent Funded Research Employment under The University of New South Wales (Academic Staff) Enterprise Agreement 2023. Please note there are some specific arrangements that apply to this type of employment due to the contingent funding supporting this position (such as specific notice periods and severance payments). You can find more details about this here .

How to Apply:

Complete your application online by uploading your CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how your experience aligns to the skills and experience criteria as outlined in the PD.

To be considered please submit your application before Sunday 25th February 2024 at 9am (Sydney time).

Get in Touch:

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Ben Milligan [email protected] and Phil James [email protected]

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Persa Tzakis, Talent Acquisition Consultant at [email protected]

Please apply online, any applications sent to the contacts above will not be accepted.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

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

Advertised:14 Feb 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:25 Feb 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight Time