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• 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.

The Research Associate (Level A) is expected to contribute towards the research effort of UNSW and the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences and to develop their research expertise through the pursuit of defined projects relevant to their particular field of research.

This role contributes to a multi-disciplinary project investigating the functional role of brown food webs in arid ecosystems and advancing the understanding of the role that arthropod detritivores and other decomposition agents play in the decomposition of plant detritus in arid ecosystems. This project requires extensive field work and the conduct of independent research in remote locations in arid Australia.   

THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

About the role

• Level A ($118k - $126k) plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 12 months
• Part-time (14 hours per week)

Specific responsibilities for this role include: 

• Contribute to the design of experiments and lead fieldwork programs in arid Australia on brown food webs, decomposition ecology and the ecology of arthropod detritivores.
• Analyse data on decomposition ecology and contribute to the writing of research papers on decomposition ecology in arid Australia.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
• Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where required.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Adhere to 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)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A PhD in decomposition ecology and/or relevant work experience.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Strong track record of publications in decomposition ecology and brown food webs and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and 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.

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

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
Mike Letnic
E: m.letnic@unsw.edu.au
Applications close:  November 30^th, 2026

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

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 their 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).