SEI Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Indigenous Environmental Studies

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Indigenous Environmental Studies

• Develop your academic career and contribute to research projects of import to Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and global Indigenous communities and their environments
• Full-time, 3-year fixed term, Academic Level A starting salary $100,717 plus leave loading and generous superannuation
• Preferred start date: January 2023 (negotiable)

Sydney Environment Institute
Reference no. 0096766

About the opportunity 

Reporting to Professor David Schlosberg, Director, Sydney Environment Institute, the Postdoctoral Research Fellow will assist in the development and management of research projects that examine environmental issues and approaches relevant to Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and/or global Indigenous communities.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be based within the Sydney Environment Institute and will be affiliated with the USYD department/school most closely aligned with their expertise. This is a unique opportunity to accelerate your academic career and become a valued member of the intellectual community associated with the broadly interdisciplinary Sydney Environment Institute.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow who has:

• completed a PhD in any area related to Indigenous environmental studies, broadly defined, including humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, planning and design, law, and/or public health.  Priority will go to those with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander environmental issues and/or approaches.
• demonstrated knowledge and an emerging profile in environmental and/or Indigenous studies
• ability to address key research themes of the SEI (biocultural diversities, environmental imaginaries and storytelling, environmental justices, climate transition and transformation) and/or environmental elements of the university’s One Sydney, Many People Indigenous strategy (focused on culture and community, people, education, and sense of place)
• evidence of the ability to conduct independent research and assume responsibility for the development and completion of research projects and publications
• a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively
• an emerging track record in academic publications and the potential to develop further research expertise through various project

Key duties of the role include:

• conducting research under limited supervision as part of the broad research themes of the Sydney Environment Institute
• coordinating, incorporating, and communicating research – both individual and with collaborative teams
• taking a leading role in organizing and promoting seminars and workshops in relation to these projects (including communication, logistics, web content, and managing social media feeds)
• writing peer review publications and preparing competitive grant applications
• actively contributing to the research seminars and workshops, as well as contributing to the research activities of the broader Sydney Environment Institute and Indigenous studies at the University of Sydney

About us

Sydney Environment Institute (SEI) https://sei.sydney.edu.au/

The central aim of the Sydney Environment Institute (SEI) at the University of Sydney is to address and respond to key environmental challenges. SEI crafts a leading role for environmental humanities and social sciences in understanding, confronting, and transforming social and academic responses to environmental crises. Our affiliates across the university are productively engaged in cross-disciplinary local, national, and international collaborations. SEI fosters and supports interdisciplinary work through making connections, hosting topical workshops, and seeding projects. We have developed both leadership and engagement on a range of topics, from food systems to ocean cultures, from adaptation policy to the cultural losses of species extinction. Through these means and processes we create not only new academic outputs, but also participate more broadly in urgent cultural and political discussions about how we can evaluate and intervene in the broad set of environmental crises, engage a broad set of internal and external partners and stakeholders, and develop models for positive social and environmental transformations.

The University of Sydney 

Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australia’s first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across our campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 students. 

We are undergoing significant transformative change which brings opportunity for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us.

Intending applicants are welcome to seek further information about the position from Professor David Schlosberg at david.schlosberg@sydney.edu.au

For information about the recruitment process, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Nicole Cunningham, Recruitment Partner on 0449973799 or via email Nicole.cunningham@sydney.edu.au

Closing date for applications: 11:30pm, 30 September 2022 (Sydney time)

We are currently planning to hold interviews on the 10th or 11th of October

Preferred start date: January 2023 (though this may be negotiable)

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.  

If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

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

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.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Friday 30 September 2022 11:59 PM