Job Description

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

We are seeking a Research Associate (Level A) for a fixed-term position in partnership with UNSW, Ag Econ Australia Pty Ltd, and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD). This position is part of a broader initiative led by the NSW DPIRD, involving five universities, Ag Econ, and eight cotton industry associations.

The project aims to enhance crop drought resilience in semi-irrigated and dryland cotton/grain systems by providing cotton growers with improved information on climate variability processes that influence crop management practices before, during, and after drought events.

The successful candidate will conduct research to better understand the sea surface temperature patterns that affect climate over the northern Murray Darling Basin, how these processes impact rainfall and temperature, and cotton production under present and future climate conditions. The work involves investigating the physical mechanisms linking ocean variability to atmosphere-land processes using observations, reanalysis products, climate model output, and running targeted numerical simulations with climate and agriculture models.

The role of Research Associate reports to A/Prof Andrea Taschetto and has no direct reports. The Research Associate will work at the UNSW Climate Change Research Centre, a centre focused on physical climate science including studies of the atmosphere, ocean and land system.

About the role

• $113K - $121K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 19 months (to 30 January 2028)
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Conduct research in line with the project’s aims independently and under limited direction of the supervisor
• Work collaboratively with researchers in the project, Ag Econ, and other partner organisations
• Contribute as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through publications in highly ranked journals and presentations to peers at local and regional conferences and meetings
• Contribute independently or as a team member to the collegiate life of the Climate Change Research Centre, such as participating in seminars, workshops, meetings, etc.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. literature reviews, data gathering, and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A PhD in climate/atmospheric science, physics, agriculture, or other relevant discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out high quality scientific research independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Strong research and publication track record (relative to opportunity) in an area listed in the position summary
• Evidence of high level analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated programming skills in a Unix/Linux environment (e.g. Fortran, Python)
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed above in your application.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
Andrea Taschetto
E: a.taschetto@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: July 2nd, 2026

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.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. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.