Research Associate - Data Scientist in Ecosystem Science

Job Overview

Research Associate – Data Scientist (Ecosystem Science) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW.

Full‑time, 35 hours per week, fixed term 18 months (through 31 December 2027) with Level A salary ($113k – $121k) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading.

• Full‑time (35 hours per week)
• Fixed term – 18 months (to 31 December 2027)
• Level A ($113k – $121k) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
• Enable research teams to produce scholarly output recognised by peers.
• Develop ecosystem‑specific indicator workflows under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to related research activities.
• Apply ecological and/or data science expertise in workflow design, testing, data transformation, harmonisation, and metadata development.
• Collaborate with research software engineers on implementation of software tools and solutions for reproducible research, including requirement gathering and user testing activities.
• Contribute to documentation, case studies, and example applications.
• Support training activities, community events, and dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake discipline‑appropriate research activities such as surveys, literature reviews, data gathering, and recording of results using appropriate methods.
• Participate in and present at conferences and workshops relevant to the project as required; assist in supervising research students where applicable.
• Adhere to the university’s Code of Conduct, Values, and health and safety policies.

• PhD in ecology, environmental science, or conservation science, or a tertiary qualification (Masters or Honours) in data science or a similar discipline combined with relevant experience.
• Knowledge and experience in computer science and coding.
• Proven skills in mathematics and statistics.
• Demonstrated commitment to staying current with domain and technical knowledge.
• Track record of research outputs (publications, conference presentations, datasets, software, etc.) relevant to the role.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and build relationships.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• Understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values, and relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to training.

UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no‑one is disadvantaged on the basis of gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.

UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks, and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).

Applications close: 25 June 2026.