Postdoctoral Fellowship in Regional Circular Economy

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Regional Circular Economy

- Conduct research into the implementation of effective sustainability practices

- Collaborate with Australia’s leading scientists and government & industry partners

- Join CSIRO – Australia’s Premier Science Agency – and grow your research career

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.

Australia's push for a circular economy faces significant challenges due to a lack of localized and regional insights. This CERC Fellowship seeks to address this research gap by developing comprehensive material flow analyses and policy frameworks tailored to the diverse needs of local and state governments, ensuring the implementation of effective sustainability practices.

The CERC Fellow will gather quantitative material flow data to craft circular economy solutions, reduce virgin material extraction, and limit environmental pressure. The project will involve conducting case studies at state and local government levels, consulting with stakeholders, policymakers, industry partners, and relevant researchers. Using the collected data, the Fellow will develop a set of circular economy indicators and provide policy advice to enhance material sustainability in Australia. Successful completion will require knowledge in material flow analysis, life cycle assessment, environmentally-extended input‑output analysis, structured interviews, policy document analysis, and policy brief preparation.

- Assess policy and data gaps complemented by semi‑structured interviews with policymakers at various levels (federal, state, local) to evaluate data and information needs for circular economy policies.

- Research the existing state and collect data on resource extraction, use, and waste generation at the subnational level.

- Fill data gaps using established methodologies (e.g., environmentally-extended input‑output analysis, material flow analysis) or develop new ones.

- Create a balanced material flow account from the above.

- Leverage insights from the material flow account to identify opportunities to promote the circular economy across various levels of Government.

Salary: AU$96k – AU$105k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years

Reference: 97424

- A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as Industrial Ecology, Ecological Economics, Environmental Engineering. You must have no more than 3 years (full‑time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.

- Demonstrated experience in material flow accounting, and/or environmentally extended input‑output analysis, and/or life cycle assessment, and/or policy analysis.

- Experience in modelling environmental flows in Python, R, Matlab, or equivalent programming languages.

- Ability to work effectively as part of a multi‑disciplinary research team, plus the motivation and discipline to carry out autonomous research.

Applications for this position are open to all candidates – Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents, or candidates who hold or are able to obtain a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance may be provided to the successful candidate if required.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Please apply online and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

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