Senior Research Associate

Apply now Job no:522573
Work type:full time
Location:Sydney, NSW
Categories:Senior Research Associate

• 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.

The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) has over 148 academic staff and research staff, over 170 research students and 60 Honours students. BEES incorporates environmentally-relevant disciplines enabling the School to undertake comprehensive education and research in the mainstream disciplines of biology, geography and geology. This also provides students the opportunity for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies.

The Senior Research Associate (Level B) will join our collaborative project on platypus research encompassing both wild and zoo-based populations. This position is a joint appointment between the University of New South Wales and the Taronga Conservation Society. The project entails extensive field work and requires a candidate with substantial experience to execute independent research. The position will be instrumental in advancing the understanding and conservation of platypuses, working alongside a committed team of professionals from both institutions.

About the role

• $119K - $140K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 2 years          
• Full time (35 hours)

The role of Senior Research Associate reports to Professor Richard Kingsford and will have no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Lead rigorous field research initiatives to study and monitor both wild and zoo-based populations of platypuses, aligning with conservation and research objectives.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of experts from the University of New South Wales and the Taronga Conservation Society, and First Nations communities, fostering a productive and inclusive research environment.
• Analyse data meticulously to derive insights on platypus ecology and conservation, insurance population husbandry, preparing reports to inform management and conservation strategies.
• Develop and implement innovative methodologies for monitoring and assessing the health and demographics of platypus populations.
• Engage in outreach and education initiatives to promote awareness about platypus conservation among the wider community.
• Disseminate research findings through reputable scientific channels, ensuring the broader impact and uptake of the project outcomes.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences, workshops, and other relevant forums to share research findings and foster collaborative relationships within the scientific community.
• Assist with the supervision and mentoring of research students in the project area, contributing to a nurturing academic environment.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the UNSW Values in Action: Our Behaviours and the UNSW Code of Conduct.
• 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.

Skills and Experience
(Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A PhD in a related discipline (e.g., wildlife ecology, conservation biology) and/or relevant field research experience. Demonstrated commitment to staying abreast with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Proven ability to conduct high-quality academic research and execute independent research with minimal supervision.
• Experience in conducting and leading rigorous field research for extended periods of time.
• A strong track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team, collaborate across disciplines, and build meaningful relationships.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
• A thorough understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives, and values in action, alongside relevant policies and guidelines.
• 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 a commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

For informal queries, please see the below contact details. 

Otherwise, please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed .

Contact:
Richard Kingsford
E: [email protected]

Applications close: February 15th , 2024

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.

UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks, and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).

Advertised:01 Feb 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:15 Feb 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight Time