Senior Research Support Officer

• Up to 4 fixed term, part time 0.4FTE (negotiable) until Dec 2026

• Unique opportunity to be part of a multi-disciplinary team at the University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning working on an ARC project – Indigenising the Built Environment in Australia

• Base Salary commencing from $95,860 pro-rata + 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.

There are four (4) Research Project Officer positions as part of this advertisement. Two (2) of these Research Project Officer positions are designated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This Exemption is claimed under Section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

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

The Research Project Officer would provide expertise to the Chief Investigator to coordinate and undertake research design, 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. It is also negotiable that work contributing to this research project forms the basis of Doctor of Philosophy higher degree by research studies relative to this topic.

Responsibilities that can be negotiated and will vary over the length of the appointment include:

• Provide project management support by undertaking core aspects of the project work and implement research objectives in relation to the Country and First Nations and Cultural Practices NSCA Performance Criteria

• work independently and as part of the research team to undertake literature reviews around Indigenous culture and methodologies, architectural education pedagogical practices and curriculum, and industry policies and procedures in relation to architecture and the built environment

• undertake qualitative research, including data collection, analysis and writing up of results

• undertake qualitative research field work independently and with the team, including a specific 2 month intensive period of workshops per year over 3 years in Sydney and surrounding regional areas

• 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

• coordinate Information Collecting Event exercises with Chief Investigator (Surveys, Yarning Workshops and Symposium Gatherings with Communities, Universities, Practices, Peak Bodies and Allied Disciplines)

• 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 in coordination and recording of the project investigator meetings and workshops and the Steering Committee and Advisory Group meetings

• coordinate the management of collected data from Information Collecting Event exercises and assess themes and key points with the use of specialist software such as sharepoint

• develop and coordinate the analysis of information using nvivo, Office 365 and Adobe CS applications for impactful communication of information during the research project and for output production

• assist in and independently coordinate research output in traditional and non-traditional research outputs

• provide expertise and coordination in social media content creation and output on public platforms.

About you:

• Hold a Master of Architecture (preferred) or a postgraduate masters degree in the built environment or an affiliated field relevant to the research project (eg: social science, law, education, commerce)

• or work experience that holds commensurate value

• demonstrated experience of applying research investigations in academic environments or in practice-based roles with a comparable level of responsibility

• experience or welcomes opportunities to develop and contribute to research team by producing original, high quality and independent research

• demonstrate ability to perform and/or learn and apply qualitative data analyses tasks

• ability to communicate effectively across a range of forums with capacity to learn and apply new applications critical to the research project

• experiences or welcomes opportunities to develop capabilities in traditional and non-traditional research output manuscripts or report writing

• demonstrates accuracy, attention to detail and is highly organized, with the ability to work according to strict timelines and manage research project demands

• possesses strong problem-solving skills and the ability to use initiative and exercise sound judgement and ability to prioritise workload during busy periods

• 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

• 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.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the reasons for the position.

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 which 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 Sade Mintah, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]  

© The University of Sydney

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 02 June 2024 11:59 PM