Recruitment for the position of Post Doctoral Research Associate

The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences is a large, collaborative and multi-disciplinary school in the Faculty of Science at the University of New South Wales with over 170 academic, research and professional staff. In 2025, the school obtained $22M in research funding, produced over 800 scientific publications and is frequently rated among the top schools across UNSW in student experience surveys. The School incorporates a broad range of disciplines, enabling comprehensive education and research in the broad fields of Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Geography, Climate Science, Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Marine Science and Oceanography.

The Research Associate (Level A) is expected to contribute towards the research effort of UNSW and to develop their research expertise through the pursuit of defined projects relevant to their particular field of research. This position is based in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences and will contribute to an ARC Discovery Project studying marine nitrous oxide production.  

THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

About the role

• Level A ($113k – $121k) plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – approx. 28 months (to 31st December 2028)
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
• Conduct research (as per the norms of the discipline) and/or enable research teams to create scholarly output that is recognised by peers.
• Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
• 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.
• 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)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A PhD in microbiology or marine biology, and/or relevant work experience.
• Experience in maintaining and manipulating marine invertebrates
• Field work experiences, including advanced SCUBA diving qualifications (Rescue plus)
• Experience with gas chromatography and isotope analysis
• Microbiology knowledge and technical skills in microbiome analysis, including metagenomics and metatranscriptomics
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• 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:
Torsten Thomas
E: t.thomas@unsw.edu.au
Applications close:  August 19th, 2026