Research Associate - Climate

Position

Research Associate – Climate (Level

A)

Location:

Sydney, NSW, Australia

Employment type:

Full Time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term – 19 months (to 30 January 2028)

Salary: $113,000 – $121,000 plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading

The Research Associate will support a project to enhance crop drought resilience in semi-irrigated and dryland cotton/grain systems by improving understanding of sea surface temperature patterns that affect climate over the northern Murray Darling Basin. The work involves investigating the physical mechanisms linking ocean variability to atmosphere-land processes using observations, reanalysis products, climate model output, and running targeted numerical simulations with climate and agriculture models.

• Conduct research in line with the project’s aims independently and under limited direction of the supervisor.
• Work collaboratively with researchers in the project, Ag Econ, and other partner organisations.
• Contribute as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through publications in highly ranked journals and presentations at local and regional conferences and meetings.
• Contribute independently or as a team member to the collegiate life of the Climate Change Research Centre, such as participating in seminars, workshops, meetings, etc.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. literature reviews, data gathering, and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the code of conduct and values.
• 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.

• PhD in climate, atmospheric science, physics, agriculture, or other relevant discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out high quality scientific research independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong research and publication track record (relative to opportunity) in an area listed in the position summary.
• Evidence of high level analytical and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated programming skills in a Unix/Linux environment (e.g. Fortran, Python).
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
• 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 commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

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 flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.