Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Indigenous Targeted) – Culturally Nourishing School (CNS) project

The CNS project is a collaborative initiative between universities, schools, and communities, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through culturally focused, strengths-based whole-of-school change. CNS combines leadership and professional learning with practice-informed research to reshape teaching, curriculum, and community engagement.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Quantitative) to help drive the next phase of CNS (2024–2027), supporting expansion across NSW, SA, and VIC.

• Develop a research agenda and deliver high-quality reports and publications.
• Apply quantitative education research methods and multivariate analysis.
• Support the management of a large, multi-stakeholder research program.
• Contribute to advocacy through data and policy-relevant insights.
• Conduct high-quality research in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, both independently and within project teams.
• Prepare and publish research outputs (journal articles, reports, books) and contribute to grant submissions.
• Manage data, projects, and records in line with ethics, legal, and professional standards.
• Present research at conferences and industry forums, and engage with external stakeholders.
• Supervise HDR students where appropriate and contribute to project administration.

We're seeking someone with:

• A PhD in Education, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Studies, Sociology, or related field (within the past 5 years, with allowances for career interruptions).
• Proven scholarly writing skills and a developing publication record.
• Strong quantitative research skills, including multivariate analysis (experience in mixed-methods research an advantage).
• Experience conducting research in schools (preferred).
• Excellent project management, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively in diverse teams, with a willingness to travel domestically.

• Employment Type: Full-Time (35-hour week)
• Duration: Fixed-Term Contract until 31 December 2027
• Remuneration: (Level B) $127,947 - $150,830 + 17% superannuation
• Location: Work from Kensington NSW, Adelaide, or Melbourne
• Cultural Leave (for Indigenous People) and Indigenous Employee Network

• Flexible working
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices
• Discounts and entitlements
• Note: Cultural Leave (for Indigenous people) and Indigenous Employee Network

Please submit your CV, along with a cover letter, and an additional separate document that addresses your suitability in relation to each of the selection criteria (listed under "Skills & Experience" in the position description). A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Applications close: 11:30pm on 5 October 2025. The successful applicant will be required to complete standard pre-employment checks prior to commencing. If the successful applicant has self-identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, confirmation of Aboriginality will also be requested.

Get in touch: Nat Chenhall – Manager Indigenous Employment n.chenhall@unsw.edu.au; For queries regarding the recruitment process, contact Lucy Gerondis, Talent Acquisition Consultant, UNSW: l.gerondis@unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.