Senior Research Fellow - Social Science Specialist

About the role

The Senior Research Fellow – Social Science Specialist in the Centre for Sustainable Development Reform (CSDR) will lead, with Director oversight, the research effort of the CSDR by identifying opportunities to integrate social and equity considerations across the research portfolio. The role involves developing research expertise through defined projects relevant to the field, including the design of robust social accounting frameworks and the application of bespoke surveys, standardised datasets, advanced quantitative analysis, and qualitative data to inform government policy and decision-making in the marine environment. The position also engages with coastal communities and governments to shape development planning through frameworks such as social accounts, documenting livelihood dependencies, stewardship contributions, and traditional knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead social science expertise as a senior team member and project leader in collaborative interdisciplinary research on topics including sustainable development of the ocean economy, social accounting, sustainable development policy, partnerships with Pacific Islands countries, legislative and policy frameworks for Beyond GDP development, and natural capital and ecosystem services.
• Provide strategic leadership for the social accounting research program within CSDR, including setting methodological standards for the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership.
• Lead the design, testing, and refinement of social accounting methodologies for ocean accounts, including indicator development, data collection protocols, and analytical frameworks adaptable to diverse cultural and institutional contexts.
• Collaborate across CSDR projects to integrate social and equity considerations into the research portfolio.
• Disseminate findings through academic journals, conferences, presentations, and publicly accessible knowledge products to advance utilisation of disciplinary knowledge.
• Represent CSDR as an expert in social accounting for ocean economies at national and international forums, including expert panels, advisory committees, and editorial boards.
• Make independent contributions to research with significant impact in the field and develop a nationally recognised research track record.
• Undertake independent research, contributing through professional practice and expertise, and develop research groups in the area of specialist expertise and methods.
• Lead a small group of researchers, motivating and delivering through the team while being accountable for performance.
• Contribute to the growth of CSDR by developing government and donor relations, fundraising, and participating in grant applications as co-investigator or chief investigator.
• Mentor and guide students, groups, and colleagues; supervise HDR students to timely completion as primary supervisor; and contribute to HDR review panels.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Ensure hazards and risks are identified and controlled for tasks, projects, and activities within your area of responsibility.

About the successful applicant

• A PhD in a related discipline and/or relevant work experience in policy advisory positions for government, consultancies, or applied research.
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following:
  • Societal and equity considerations related to marine and coastal issues;
  • Design and delivery of bespoke surveys, preferably using survey software;
  • Social aspects of natural capital accounting and/or natural resource use;
  • Framework development in social accounting, natural capital accounting, or related systematic approaches to measuring societal outcomes;
  • Assessment of cultural and social capital;
  • Participatory and co-design approaches for natural resource management;
  • Integration of qualitative local knowledge into traditional scientific systems;
  • Delivery of national surveys such as the Household Income and Expenditure Surveys;
  • Advanced quantitative analytical capabilities, including statistical modelling, econometric analysis, database design and management, and proficiency with analytical software (R, Python, STATA, or similar).
• Demonstrated track record in research and applied project leadership with high-quality, high-impact outcomes, including successful delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Ability to independently lead a significant area of work with multiple stakeholders and partners, lead teams, collaborate across disciplines, and manage complex project workflows.
• Established reputation with evidence of thought leadership in relevant areas, including keynote presentations, advisory roles with government agencies or international organisations, and ability to write for policy audiences.
• Commitment to keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• High-level communication skills and ability to network effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines, create innovative solutions to complex problems, and build effective relationships.
• Highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Experience working in varied cultural contexts, interacting with government ministers and senior officials, and experience in training and workshop delivery.
• Demonstrated experience working in developing countries, preferably with coastal communities and/or natural resource management.
• Evidence of ability to raise funds from a range of sources to support their work and a wider team.
• Understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives, and values, along with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Benefits

Level C ($155k - $178k) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading.

Schedule

Fixed term – 2.5 years, full-time (35 hours per week).