Sustainability Research jobs in Sydney NSW

Job no: 543584
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Senior Research Associate

Research Fellow

• Employment Type: Full Time (35 hours per week)
• Duration: Continuing
• Remuneration: Level B $133,065 - $156,864 (depending on experience) + 17% super + leave loading
• Location: UNSW Kensington Campus

About us:

The UNSW Centre for Social Impact (CSI) is an education and research centre based at UNSW Business School.

Our mission is to develop people and partnerships that accelerate social innovations that build the impact economy. Through engaged scholarship, we work collaboratively with communities, organisations and governments to address complex social and environmental challenges and create practical solutions that contribute to social impact.

We are part of UNSW Business School, a top business school in the Asia–Pacific region, with a global reputation for innovation, research excellence and teaching that embeds real business and community challenges into curricula. At our core are exceptional academics and researchers, alongside students dedicated to advancing social, economic and environmental progress for future generations.

Position Summary:

A Research Fellow (Level B) is a valued member of the research team, and expected to carry out both independent and collaborative research that supports the CSI research strategy pillars of investment, innovation, and strategy and evaluation of social impact. They will produce both academic and practitioner outputs from research projects, diffusing knowledge to ensure it contributes to economic and social prosperity.

The Research Fellow reports to the Research & Innovation Director and has no direct reports. A current focus of the role will be participating in and supporting Chief Investigators of an Australian Research Council Discovery Project investigating the strengthening of regional economies through place-based investment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research/scholarly activities under limited supervision, either independently or as a member of a team.
• Create scholarly impact in the discipline which is recognised by peers in the advancement of disciplinary knowledge, including high-quality academic publications and public contributions
• Contribute to the strategy of the Centre of Social Impact, through the design and development of applications for competitive funding for research
• Participate as co-investigator or chief investigator in competitive grant applications, or show evidence of active participation in research collaborations funded by competitive grants.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake research activities and field work, e.g. surveys, literature reviews, data gathering (including interviewing) and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to projects as required.
• Assist with the supervision of research students and assistants in the research area where required.
• Provide leadership and support for project management and administration to achieve deliverables, including organising and attending place-based focus groups and meetings with participants

Skills and Experience:

• A PhD in a business-related discipline, including management, organisation studies, strategy, entrepreneurship, and sociology, with expertise in qualitative and mixed methodologies
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments, especially relevant to impact investing, regional economic development, and/or civic wealth creation.
• Demonstrated track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership.
• A track record of significant involvement with the profession and/or industry in conducting research projects with academic and industry relevant outcomes.
• High level communication skills and ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of students, staff, industry, and community partners
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships, especially with external partners.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills.

For further details on role responsibilities and skills & experience required, refer to the position description found under the position listing on Jobs@UNSW

How to Apply: Submit your CV & Cover Letter by 11.55pm Tuesday 3rd November 2026

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

Contact: Amy Denney a.denney@unsw.edu.au - Talent Acquisition Partner
Please apply directly through the website, applications sent to the contact above will not be accepted.

Pre-Employment Checks
As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

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.