Postdoctoral Research Associate in Architecture

• Opportunity to contribute to the research agenda and provide research support and management
• Located at Darlington Campus
• Full time fixed term 2 years, negotiable part time (0.8FTE) arrangement, offering Academic Level A6, a base salary of $98K p.a., and generous employer’s contribution to superannuation

About the opportunity 

This position is funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) funded project “Co-Design Guide for Transforming Ageing Apartment Buildings” with the purpose of developing a sustainable model for transforming buildings through design rather than demolishing them.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to the research agenda and provide research support and management. Under the direction of the lead investigator, Associate Professor Sandra Karina Löschke, this role will include coordination with research partners (UNSW) and industry partners (COX, Government Architect NSW, AJ+C, Lannock Strata Finance and Max Build) and external stakeholders.

Specifically, the position will explore complex apartment housing redesign projects, from architecture and urban design perspectives, with an emphasis on socially, environmentally and economically sustainable outcomes.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will:

• undertake research or scholarly activity contributing to the project’s research agenda under the guidance of the lead investigator;
• contribute to publications and other project outputs, including a book, journal articles, professional publications, events and an exhibition;
• contribute to all research tasks, including data collection, interviews, case studies, development of the codesign tools and devising and testing of the codesign guide;
• actively participate in research seminars and conferences to advance the project research program.

They will also assist in the coordination and management of project-related activities including:

• assume project management responsibilities, including

• management of the team’s research operations and activities (incl. project deliverables, timelines, budget and staff responsibilities);
• developing research protocols;
• undertaking core aspects of research work; and
• contributing to analysis and key findings

• actively collaborate with partner investigators, coordinating their participation in the research as well as facilitating in-house training opportunities;
• provide support and advice to HDR students and research assistants aligned with the project;
• manage the project website and the development & testing of the guide;
• inform research progress and maintain communications with the management committee, reference group and other relevant stakeholders, and prepare project briefs, progress reports, and media outputs.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate who possesses:

• a PhD degree in architecture, environmental science, urban design or a related discipline, completed in the past 5 years or close to completion within 3 months;
• a track record of conducting independent research resulting in high quality outcomes in modes appropriate to the field of research;
• excellent organizational and project management skills;
• excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• ability to build and maintain relationships within and beyond the University;
• demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within and outside the University in a team to meet agreed deadlines and achieve project goals;
• experience in preparing and editing reports and/or publications, and experience in collaborative authorship;
• demonstrated understanding of WHS responsibilities and actively ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of yourself and others at work in accordance with your delegated authority, as described in the University’s WHS Policy and Procedures and role responsibilities;
• understand the incorporation into University life of the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action; and ability to work positively with staff, students and stakeholders from a diverse range of backgrounds.

The desirable criteria include:

• experience in curating and coordinating academic or public events;
• experience with supervision of research students; and
• ability to communicate in French, Dutch, German or Italian.

Other

To be considered for this role, please address below Selection Criteria in your Cover Letter and upload.

• A track record of conducting independent research resulting in high quality outcomes, including relevant research experience with data collection, interviews, case study research, or development of interactive design tools
• Evidence of excellent organizational, project and relationship management skills in professional and/or University contexts

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

Closing time and date: 11:39pm 27 September 2021

How to Apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

If you are a current employee of the University and would like to submit an application, please login into your Workday account. Navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard once logged into Workday and click on the USYD Find Jobs report to apply.

Specific enquiries about the position can be directed to the project leader Associate Professor Sandra Karina Löschke, sandra.loschke@sydney.edu.au, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Rae Hao, Recruitment Consultant Recruitment Operations, Human Resources on 8627 0063 or by email rae.hao@sydney.edu.au

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Closing Date: 27 September 2021