Associate Research Fellow

Make an impact at the University of Wollongong (UOW) — a purpose‑driven institution ranked in the top 1% of universities globally.

About the Role

The University of Wollongong is seeking an outstanding early career researcher to join an Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project investigating how Australia’s maritime ports are sustained as critical infrastructure amid environmental, economic, technological, and geopolitical change. This position offers the opportunity to develop and lead an original program of postdoctoral research while working collaboratively with leading researchers, industry stakeholders and government partners to generate new knowledge and real-world impact.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and lead an innovative postdoctoral research program that complements and extends the ARC Discovery Project.
• Conduct high-quality field-based research, including stakeholder engagement, data collection, analysis and interpretation.
• Produce internationally recognised research outputs including journal publications, conference presentations and policy-focused research translation activities.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with academic, industry and government partners to support project outcomes and future research opportunities.

About the Team

This position is based within the Discipline of Geography and Sustainability in the School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Society and Business. The team is committed to delivering impactful research that advances understanding of critical infrastructure, resilience and sustainability while supporting the development of emerging researchers.

What You’ll Bring

• A PhD (or evidence of near completion) in Human Geography, Planning, Industrial Relations, Environmental Studies, Transport Studies, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology or a related social science discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and undertake high-quality, original research within collaborative research environments.
• Experience applying mixed-methods research approaches, including interviews, ethnography, surveys, focus groups and/or document analysis.
• A developing track record of research publications and presentation of research findings to academic and non-academic audiences.
• Strong communication, organisational and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Role Details

• Fixed-term, part-time (0.8FTE) appointment (3-year appointment, 28 hours per week)
• Level A: $99,002 - $115,989 (pro rata) + 17% superannuation 
• Location: Wollongong Campus
• Valid Australian work rights required. Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Position Description

The successful candidate will be required to undertake a National Criminal History Check prior to commencement. 

How to Apply

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of the advertisement. You’ll be requested to submit a resume and cover letter (of no more than 2 pages) summarising your skills and experience as they relate to the selection criteria located in the position description.

For further information contact Associate Professor Andrew Warren, School of Social Sciences
awarren@uow.edu.au

Closing Date: Tuesday 6 October 2026, 11:55pm

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Wollongong is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is valued, respected and celebrated. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve, removes barriers to participation, and provides equitable opportunities for staff to reach their full potential. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and those with caring or family responsibilities.

As required by federal legislation, prospective employees are required to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender based Violence or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender based Violence, during their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process. Any such declaration will be included in the University’s employment screening processes and will be treated with the strictest confidence and in compliance with all privacy legislation.