Description:
- Full-time, Fixed-Term Position for 25 months Based at Westerns Parramatta South Campus $143,084 to $168,838 p.a. Inclusive of Superannuation + Leave Loading
About Western
Western Sydney University is a modern, forward-thinking, research-led institution at the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing and most economically significant region. With 11 campuses across Sydney and international locations in Vietnam and Indonesia—plus planned expansion in India—it serves nearly 50,000 students, 3,500 staff, and a global network of over 200,000 alumni. Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, over 85% of its assessed research is rated ‘World Standard’ or above. The University is ranked #1 globally and nationally in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings (2022-2025) for its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The Institute for Culture and Society (ICS), located on the Parramatta campus of Western Sydney University, conducts interdisciplinary and collaborative research that addresses the cultural challenges and contradictions of an increasingly globalised, heterogeneous and technologically mediated world. The Institute is committed to forging partnerships for cultural research and development with a broad range of organisations and communities in Western Sydney, as well as nationally and internationally.
The Opportunity
Are you passionate about research that drives real-world impact in natural hazard risk mitigation and community engagement? We are seeking a dedicated Research Fellow to join the Institute for Culture and Society as a Research Fellow, contributing to a NSW Government-funded project within the Bushfire and Natural Hazard Research Centre (BNHRC).
The project, titled “Drawing Lessons from a Cross-Agency Review of community engagement surveys and commissioned research,” investigates how public sector agencies in NSW use existing data and evidence to inform bushfire and flood risk mitigation strategies and community engagement efforts. This research is being conducted in collaboration with four NSW public sector agencies including the Reconstruction Authority, SES NSW, Rural Fire Service NSW, and DCCEEW-NPWS, with potential involvement from FRNSW. It is set against the backdrop of increasingly frequent natural hazard events and a growing emphasis on evidence-based public sector responses.
As a Research Fellow, you will work closely with the project’s Lead Chief Investigator (CI) Associate Professor Jessica Weir along with CI’s Professor Philippa Collin and Dr Michelle Catanzaro, to explore how these agencies engage with and apply findings from community surveys and commissioned research. Your role will be central to uncovering opportunities for re-analysis and strengthening the evidence base that supports risk mitigation and community engagement strategies.
Key responsibilities include conducting in-depth interviews and focus groups to understand the expectations and experiences of employees, members, and researchers regarding the use and utility of data and evidence. You will analyse and synthesise these insights, and review existing datasets for additional findings and potential re-analysis. The project has been co-designed with the participating agencies, and its success will be supported by an end-user team and stakeholder workshops. Outcomes will be tailored to individual agencies and presented as a meta-analysis and synthesis of cross-agency approaches. In addition to your research contributions, you will liaise with project partners, stakeholders, and university staff; lead and contribute to publications and reports; provide project management support; and assist with events and public outreach.
This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 25 months (2 years and 1 month) based at Parramatta South Campus, although travel to other campuses of the University may be required.
Please review the position description for further information.
About You
You hold a doctorate in a relevant social science or humanities field and bring strong experience in applying research to policy and practice, preferably in natural hazard risk mitigation or community engagement. You’re skilled in conducting literature reviews, writing for publications, and analysing both quantitative and qualitative data. You’ve led complex research projects to deadline, and you’re confident engaging with stakeholders, organising interviews and workshops, and representing your institution externally. Your organisational and project management skills ensure smooth delivery across multiple priorities.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-impact initiative that bridges research and practice.
Remuneration Package: Academic Level B $143,084 to $168,838 p.a. (comprising Salary of $120,908 to $142,769 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading)
Closing Date: 8:30pm, Wednesday 13 August 2025
Position Enquiries: Please direct enquires about the role to Associate Professor Jessica Weir via email at j.weir@westernsydney.edu.au.
Recruitment Enquiries: Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.
Working Rights in Australia - Eligibility
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. You must provide evidence of your working rights in Australia at time of application.
Please note, only those applications submitted via the WSU online recruitment system will be accepted.