Postdoctoral Research Associate / Research Fellow in Social-Ecological Modelling
University of SydneyAbout the role
3-year fixed term, full time Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Level A/B) position
Exciting opportunity to develop dynamic social-ecological system models that can inform sustainability project interventions, located on the Camperdown Campus
Base Salary A $105,350 + 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
The School of Project Management is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Social-Ecological Modelling (Level A/ B) with experience in database management and quantitative social and/or ecological modelling that will contribute to our focus on Projects for Resilience, Sustainability, and Social Justice.
The candidate will work with A/Prof Michele Barnes, Prof Örjan Bodin from the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University, and project partners with the Wildlife Conservation Society in Kenya to conduct and publish interdisciplinary, longitudinal social-ecological network research investigating tradeoffs and co-benefits in sustainability processes and interventions in coastal fishing communities along the Kenyan coast. The candidate will play a lead role in coordinating and managing social and ecological data and an associated consortium of researchers and practitioners from across the globe, develop practice-oriented outputs, and contribute to teaching a course on complex systems thinking.
The candidate will be based with A/Prof Barnes at the Camperdown Campus of the University of Sydney in the School of Project Management but will have an opportunity to visit and work with Prof Bodin at the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University in Sweden. The candidate is expected to be physically present at the office on a regular basis for optimal collaboration and coordination within the project.
Click on the link below for more information on A/Prof Michele Barns and her research:
Your key responsibilities will be to:
Design and manage a large, longitudinal database of existing social and ecological data, including data on social and ecological networks, human wellbeing, and coral reef ecosystem conditions
undertake modelling and research using this data in support of the project ‘Social-ecological network dynamics and sustainability outcomes over time’ as directed by the primary supervisor Barnes and co-supervisor Bodin
design and deliver high-quality research results in a timely fashion to meet strict deadlines in a team environment, as directed by the primary supervisor and co-supervisor Bodin
publish research in high quality, peer-reviewed journals in collaboration with the primary supervisor, co-supervisor, and other members of the team
collaborate with a large team of colleagues working in an interdisciplinary research environment
schedule, oversee, and conduct collaborative meetings to support project aims
disseminate results of the project in academic venues (e.g., via guest lectures and/or presentations at national and/or international conferences) and to end-users and the general public
contribute to teaching an existing subject on complex systems thinking in the School of Project Management
where appropriate, supervise the research activities of postgraduate students.
About you
Essential Selection Criteria
A PhD in relevant discipline (e.g., environmental science, environmental studies, geography, sociology, economics, psychology, marine ecology, data science, statistics, engineering, or related discipline)
experience managing and analysing complex datasets
strong quantitative modelling skills, including proficiency in R, python, one or more network-specific programs, or similar software
experience conducting rigorous quantitative social and/or ecologica
Apply for this role
Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.
Apply Now →Generate Application KitFree account required — sign up in 30s