Research Associate

UNSW; New York (NY); On-site; USD 79,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

UNSW seeks a Research Associate (Level A) to contribute to the Australian Laureate Fellowship project on caves, climate and groundwater recharge. The role involves data analysis, model simulations of groundwater recharge, and collaboration with the TU Dresden team.

Applicants should have a PhD in groundwater hydrology or related fields, a strong publication record, and experience with groundwater models and programming (MATLAB, Python, R). Fixed-term, 2 years, full-time; Sydney-based.

Qualifications

• PhD (or soon to be awarded) in groundwater hydrology or related areas.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out research independently and in a team.
• Strong publication record relative to opportunity.
• High level analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; experience with groundwater models.
• Programming experience in MATLAB, Python or R.

Responsibilities

• Contribute independently or as a team in collaborative research on the Laureate Fellowship project.
• Design, configure and run groundwater recharge model simulations at multiple scales.
• Conduct research aligned with project aims under supervisor guidance.
• Collaborate with researchers at UNSW and TU Dresden.
• Communicate findings through high-ranking journal publications and conferences.
• Support supervision of PhD students and participate in workshops and committees.

Skills

Independent research

Collaborative teamwork

Analytical skills

Verbal & written communication

Data analysis

Education

PhD in groundwater hydrology

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.