Postdoctoral Fellow (Indigenous Targeted) - Cities Institute

This Job is based in Australia

Employment Type: Full-timeDuration: Fixed-term contract January 2027 until March 2029 (negotiable) Remuneration: Level B $133,065 - $156,864 + 17% Super + Leave Loading Location: Kensington, NSWBenefits: Cultural Leave and Indigenous Employee Network

Whilst this role is open to everyone, we strongly encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

Why Your Role Matters

The Postdoctoral Fellow (Level B) will undertake independent and collaborative research within UNSW Cities Institute, as part of an Australian Research Council Linkage project, contributing to high-quality academic and policy outputs. The project focuses on the intersections between Indigenous planning, land use and land development, and state planning. The role requires close and effective engagement with Aboriginal partners, and a range of non-Indigenous partners, and close alignment with ethical research frameworks.

The position reports to the Scientia Fellow and has no direct reports.

Specific Accountabilities Include

Engage in individual and collaborative research consistent with disciplinary practiceUndertake literature and policy reviews and develop expertise in Indigenous planning and land use and developmentUndertake independent fieldwork, including qualitative interviews with Aboriginal partners. The position requires travel and several weeks of fieldwork in different towns across NSWProduce high-quality research outputs that contribute to disciplinary knowledgeConduct research independently under limited supervisionDevelop a research profile and contribute to competitive grant applicationsContribute to project management and the timely delivery of academic and policy outputsAdhere to AIATSIS Code of Ethics and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property protocols

About You

A PhD in a relevant discipline, e.g. geography, planning, political economy, law (expertise in planning and geography is highly desirable)Extensive experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities on collaborative researchExperience undertaking research under the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ResearchUnderstanding of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP)Demonstrated commitment to Indigenous self-determination and community wellbeingDemonstrated research experience including qualitative data collection, policy analysis, and fieldworkKnowledge of qualitative data analysis software (experience with NVivo is preferrable) Track record of emerging high-quality research outputs and potential for research leadershipStrong understanding of critical approaches to urban and regional planningHigh level communication, collaboration and stakeholder engagement skillsDemonstrated ability to work individually and in teams and build effective relationshipsHighly developed interpersonal and organisational skillsDesired: Familiarity with NSW planning policy and the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (or ability to develop this knowledge in a timely manner)

For further details on role responsibilities and skills & experience required, refer to the position description found under the position listing on 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 optionsCareer development opportunitiesCultural Leave and Indigenous Employee Network17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading paymentsAdditional 3 days of leave over Christmas periodDiscounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness).

For more information on our staff benefits, click here.

To find out more about how we support our Indigenous staff and grow their careers. Visit: Careers at UNSW for Indigenous Australians | UNSW Sydney

To access our Indigenous Strategy, click here: UNSW Indigenous Strategy

How to Apply: Submit your CV & a cover letter addressing your suitability for the position (no more than 3 pages) by 11:30pm on the 20th of October.

We recommend using the questions below to guide your cover letter:

Please describe your experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities in a research context. How have you ensured your approach was collaborative, ethical, and aligned with relevant frameworks such as the AIATSIS Code of Ethics and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property principles?Provide an example of a research project you have led or contributed to that involved qualitative methods (e.g. interviews, fieldwork) and/or policy analysis. What was your role, and what were the key outcomes or impacts of the work?How does your research experience and expertise align with and/or are relevant to Indigenous planning, land use, and land development, and how would you contribute to advancing research and partnerships in this area at UNSW?

Any questions?

For any queries about the kind of support available for our Indigenous staff, get in touch with our Manager, Indigenous Employment, Nat Chenhall: n.chenhall@unsw.edu.au

For queries regarding the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition Partner, Lucy Gerondis: l.gerondis@unsw.edu.au

For queries regarding the role and your eligibility, please contact Project Director, Naama Blatman: n.blatman@unsw.edu.au

Applications sent via email will not be accepted, please apply via the application portal.

Visa sponsorship is available subject to merit-based selection.

Pre-Employment Checks

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:-

National and International Criminal history checksEntitlement to work and ID checksWorking With Children ChecksCompletion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention DeclarationVerification of relevant qualificationsVerification of relevant professional membershipEmployment history and reference checksFinancial responsibility assessments/checks.Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjust