Research Associate

UNSW; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

UNSW seeks a Research Associate (Level A) to contribute to the Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship project on caves and groundwater recharge. You will design and run groundwater recharge model simulations and collaborate with international partners, including TU Dresden.

The role emphasizes independent research, publication, and mentoring PhD students. The appointment is fixed-term for two years, full-time (35 hours per week) in Sydney, Australia, with a salary range of AUD 113k–121k

Qualifications

• 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).
• Understanding of UNSW aims, policies and safety responsibilities.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Analytical thinking

Independent research

Scientific writing

Programming

Communication skills

Education

PhD in groundwater hydrology or related

Tools

MATLAB

Python

R

Job description

• 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

This Job is based in Australia

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.

Contact

Andy Baker

E: [e-mail]

Applications close: October 29th, 2026

Find Out More About Working At UNSW At Www.unsw.edu.au

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.