Senior Research Officer – UNSW Faculty Arts, Design & Architecture
Job no: 536948
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Research Infrastructure
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Remuneration Level 7: $113,926 - $123,302 + 17% Superannuation
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Location: Kensington, NSW (the successful candidate will be required to work on campus 2 days a week)
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Full Time (35-hour week)
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Fixed Term to December 2026
Why The Role Matters:
The position collaborates closely with the Educational Program Manager and the ADA Education Portfolio to contribute to the design, delivery, and scalability of the ADA Skills Passport framework. The SRO leads defined components of research design, analysis, and dissemination, and engages students, academic staff, and industry partners to support evidence-informed project delivery. The role monitors higher education policy, government initiatives, and industry trends to inform the project’ ongoing development. This position reports to the Deputy Dean (Education) and has no direct reports.
Accountabilities:
(please review the Position Description for a full list of Accountabilities)
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Support the design and coordination of research activities, including survey analysis, focus-group synthesis, and interviews aligned with project milestones and stakeholder priorities.
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Contribute to research outputs and assist in preparing papers and reports for relevant stakeholders.
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Conduct mixed-methods analyses, manage data quality, and ensure methodological rigor in alignment with UNSW ethics and research integrity standards.
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Provide research insights into the design and delivery of professional development for academic and processional staff.
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Contribute to the design and documentation of the ADA Skills Passport framework that will inform University-wide implementation.
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Assist in identifying information gaps and participate in planning stakeholder engagement activities.
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Monitor emerging research, policy changes, and sector initiatives related to employability, skills frameworks, and higher education innovation and provide regular summaries to support project decision-making.
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Connect the project team with opportunities such as conferences, partnerships, and networks that advance the project’s visibility and impact.
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Build and maintain effective relationships with academic and professional staff, students, and external stakeholders.
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Participate in working groups, meetings, and consultations, contributing research-based insights and strategic recommendations.
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Efficiently prepare publications, policy briefs, progress reports, presentations, and other communications for diverse audiences. Support the Deputy Dean (Education) and the Educational Program Manager in presenting evidence-based recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
Skills and Experience:
To be considered you will hold Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
(please review the Position Description for a full list of Skills and Experience)
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Relevant tertiary education with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
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Works independently and collaboratively, showing initiative, adaptability, and sound judgement, with strong organisational and time-management skills to coordinate multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
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Demonstrated expertise in research design, framework development and data synthesis, with the ability to translate complex evidence into practical, user-friendly and scalable models applicable across diverse university contexts.
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Proven capacity to design and conduct mixed-methods research (surveys, interviews, focus groups), including data management, analysis, and rigorous reporting.
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Sound knowledge of research protocols, ethics, and governance, including planning, milestone reporting, and data integrity.
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Demonstrated ability to author scholarly papers, technical reports, and presentations for academic, professional, and sector audiences.
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Strong analytical and conceptual skills, interpreting findings to identify patterns and propose innovative, practical solutions.
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Demonstrated understanding of learning and teaching in higher education, with the ability to apply research outcomes to curriculum and policy.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build effective relationships and exercise discretion and confidentiality.
Benefits and Culture:
People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.
Our benefits include:
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Career development opportunities
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17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
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Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
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Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)
For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits
How to Apply:
Submit both a Cover Letter and CV online via the UNSW Job Board before Monday 19th January 2025 by 11:30pm. Please ensure your Cover Letter addresses the core Skills and Experience mentioned in the advert (no more than 2 pages).
Get in Touch:
Any applications sent to the contacts below will not be accepted.
If you have questions about the role, please contact Josephine Holecek at j.holecek@unsw.edu.au
If you have questions about the recruitment process, please contact Allyssar Hamoud at a.hamoud@unsw.edu.au
UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. 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.
Advertised: AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Application close: AUS Eastern Daylight Time
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