Senior Research Fellow - Social Science Specialist

About the role

This Senior Research Fellow – Social Science Specialist role is located within the Centre for Sustainable Development Reform (CSDR) at UNSW’s School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences. Reporting to the Director, the successful candidate will lead the CSDR’s social science research agenda, integrating social and equity considerations across the Centre’s interdisciplinary portfolio, and advancing social accounting frameworks for ocean economies and sustainable development policy. The position is fixed-term for 2.5 years (full-time, 35 hours per week) at Level C ($155k – $178k plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading).

Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership in social science research within CSDR, including methodological oversight for the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership.
• Design, test, and refine social accounting methodologies for ocean accounts, developing indicators, data collection protocols, and analytical frameworks adaptable to diverse cultural and institutional contexts.
• Lead collaborative interdisciplinary research on sustainable ocean economies, social accounting, policy frameworks, and natural capital accounting, including partnerships with Pacific Island countries.
• Integrate social and equity considerations across CSDR’s research portfolio and support colleagues across all relevant projects.
• Disseminate research outcomes through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and public knowledge products to drive scholarly and policy impact.
• Represent CSDR as an expert in social accounting for ocean economies at national and international forums, including expert panels and advisory committees.
• Build and lead a small research team, mentoring students and colleagues, supervising HDR candidates, and contributing to HDR review panels.
• Develop government and donor relations, prepare grant applications, and contribute to fundraising efforts under senior guidance.
• Ensure health and safety compliance and risk management within the scope of responsibilities.

About the successful applicant

• PhD in a related discipline or equivalent professional experience in policy advisory roles (government, consultancy, or applied research).
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following:
  • Societal and equity considerations in marine and coastal contexts.
  • Design and delivery of bespoke surveys, preferably using survey software.
  • Social aspects of natural capital accounting or natural resource use.
  • Framework development in social accounting, natural capital accounting, or related outcome measurement approaches.
  • Assessment of cultural and social capital.
  • Participatory and co-design approaches for natural resource management.
  • Integration of qualitative local knowledge into scientific systems.
  • Delivery of national surveys such as Household Income and Expenditure Surveys.
  • Advanced quantitative analysis (e.g., statistical modelling, econometric analysis) using R, Python, STATA, or similar.
• Track record of high-impact research leadership and delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Ability to lead teams, collaborate across disciplines, and manage complex project workflows.
• Established reputation with thought leadership evidenced by keynote presentations, advisory roles, and policy-oriented writing.
• Strong communication and networking skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working in varied cultural contexts, with government officials, and in training/workshop delivery.
• Desirable: Experience in developing countries, particularly with coastal communities or natural resource management; evidence of fundraising success.
• Commitment to UNSW’s values and health and safety responsibilities.