Overview
Employment Type: Part-time (0.8 FTE) with scope to increase to full-time in years 2-3
Duration: 3 years
Location: Kensington, NSW
Benefits: 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.
Responsibilities
Engage in individual and collaborative research consistent with disciplinary practice
Undertake literature and policy reviews and develop expertise in Indigenous planning and land use and development
Undertake independent fieldwork, including qualitative interviews with Aboriginal partners.
The position requires travel and several weeks of fieldwork in different towns across NSW
Produce high-quality research outputs that contribute to disciplinary knowledge
Conduct research independently under limited supervision
Develop a research profile and contribute to competitive grant applications
Contribute to project management and the timely delivery of academic and policy outputs
Adhere to AIATSIS Code of Ethics and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property protocols
About You / Qualifications
A PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. geography, planning, political economy, law)
Extensive experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities on collaborative research
Experience undertaking research under the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
Understanding of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP)
Demonstrated commitment to Indigenous self-determination and community wellbeing




Demonstrated research experience including qualitative data collection, policy analysis, and fieldwork
Track record of high-quality research outputs and potential for research leadership
Strong understanding of critical approaches to urban and regional planning
High level communication, collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills
Demonstrated ability to work individually and in teams and build effective relationships
Highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills
Desired: 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
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.
Flexible working options
Cultural Leave and Indigenous Employee Network
17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness).
To find out more about how we support our Indigenous staff and grow their careers.
Visit: Careers at UNSW for Indigenous Australians | UNSW Sydney
How to Apply
Submit your CV & a cover letter addressing your suitability for the position (no more than 3 pages) by 9am on the 29th of April.
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 within UNSW Cities Institute?
For any queries about the kind of support available for our Indigenous staff, get in touch with our Manager, Indigenous Employment, Nat Chenhall:
For queries regarding the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition Partner, Lucy Gerondis:
For queries regarding the role and your eligibility, please contact Project Director, Naama Blatman:
*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 checks
Entitlement to work and ID checks
Working With Children Checks
Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
Verification of relevant qualifications
Verification of relevant professional membership
Employment history and reference checks
Financial 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 adjustments for people with disability, and access to adaptable work options for eligible staff.
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📌 Postdoctoral Research Fellow (New South Wales)
🏢 UNSW
📍 New South Wales