Research Associate

University of New South Wales; Sydney; On-site; AUD 113,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Superannuation 17%

Annual leave loading

Job summary

University of New South Wales invites applications for a Research Associate (Level A) in groundwater hydrology to contribute to an ARC Laureate Fellowship project on caves and groundwater recharge. Based in Sydney, you will analyze data, run models, and publish results with international collaborators.

You will work 35 hours per week on a fixed-term, two-year appointment, coordinating research activities, and guiding junior researchers within the Laureate team.

Qualifications

• PhD in groundwater hydrology or related areas.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out scientific research independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong research and publication track record in relevant areas.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to collaborative research to enhance outcomes of the Laureate Fellowship project.
• Design, configure, and run groundwater recharge model simulations at different scales.
• Conduct research independently and under supervision.
• Collaborate with Laureate Fellowship team and TU Dresden groundwater team.
• Publish in high-ranked journals and present at conferences.
• Assist with supervision of PhD students and participate in workshops.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

R

Education

PhD in groundwater hydrology

related areas e.g. hydrology/climate modelling/physics/mathematics

Tools

Groundwater models

Job description

Job no: 543339
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Post Doctoral Research Associate

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

The Research Associate (Level A) is expected to contribute towards the Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship project ‘Caves and their stalagmites: linking climate to groundwater recharge’ led by Professor Andy Baker (FL240100057). They will develop their research expertise through their contribution to a work package led by Prof. Andy Baker (UNSW) and Prof. Andreas Hartmann (TU Dresden) that will use groundwater recharge model simulations to investigate the climate processes that lead to relationships between climate and environmental change and groundwater recharge.

The Research Associate will assist the project investigators in carrying out the research project and be responsible for coordinating and undertaking data analysis and drafting papers for publication. The work involves integrating fire events into a global karst recharge model. The effects of wildfire on recharge volumes will be determined for the Black Summer fires, the last 100 yrs; and for future climates and environment change. The Research Associate will also be responsible for collaborating with Laureate Fellow Baker and other Laureate Fellowship project collaborators.

About the role

• Level A – ($113k - $121k) plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 2 years
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Contribute both independently and as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes of the Laureate Fellowship project.
• Design, configure, and run groundwater recharge model simulations at different scales to investigate the climate and environmental processes that lead to relationships between climate and environmental change and groundwater recharge.
• Conduct research in line with the project’s aims independently and under limited direction of the supervisor.
• Work collaboratively with other researchers among the Laureate fellowship team and the groundwater team at the TU Dresden.
• Maintain a strong focus on communicating research findings by publishing in highly ranked journals and presenting to peers at local, national and global conferences.
• Contribute independently or as a team member to the collegiate life of the Laureate Fellowship team such as assisting with the supervision of PhD students, committee memberships, participating in workshops, etc.
• 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.

About the successful applicant: (Selection Criteria)

• PhD (or soon to be awarded) in groundwater hydrology or related areas such as hydrology, climate modelling, physics or mathematics.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Evidence of experience in using groundwater models and processing large datasets
• Demonstrated programming skills (e.g. MATLAB, Python, R).
• 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.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

Advertised: 01 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 29 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time

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.