About the Team

Bring your passion for creating positive social change and develop your career at the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF). For 25 years ISF has been a recognised leader in applied sustainability research in Australia and internationally. We deliver high-impact applied research through partnerships with government, industry, civil society and the international research community.

About the Role

We seek applications from talented individuals passionate about research for sustainable development. The role involves working on research projects focused on water and sanitation in Asia and the Pacific, bringing your technical skills to bear on urban sanitation, urban water cycle management, rural water supply or sanitation projects.

The projects commonly include technical (engineering based), environmental, institutional, economic and social dimensions (such as gender equality and social inclusion), and support our clients and partners to improve their evidence-based water and sanitation policy and practice.

Embarking on or furthering your research career, you will benefit from the opportunity to work on projects with a team of exceptional, well-recognised senior researchers in this field who will mentor and support you.

About You

We would like to hear from applicants who have an educational background in engineering, environmental sciences, public health, or economics/finance, with a passion for realising the human rights to water and sanitation and have an ability to take a flexible and team-oriented approach.

Working in teams and with international partners (NGOs, private sector and government), you will apply your knowledge to contribute evidence that informs policy and practice. Suitable applicants will demonstrate relevant research skills for experimental or observational studies, including strong analytical, critical thinking, communication and writing skills.

We are looking for applicants who have a genuine passion for water and sanitation in low and middle-income countries, excellent project management and leadership skills and a keenness to learn and contribute within a team.

This advertisement relates to a single position which may be either at Academic Level B (Research Principal) or Level 7 (Senior Research Consultant). Candidates may apply for either level as appropriate to their skills and experience.

For a Research Principal role, we would like to hear from applicants with a doctorate or equivalent research experience in water and/or sanitation in low and middle-income countries, capable of conception, design and project management of large-scale research projects, using quantitative, qualitative and/or mixed-methods approaches. You will lead teams to implement leading edge research in collaboration with partners in Asia and the Pacific, providing research leadership and management, delivering high-quality outputs, and leading aspects of strategic planning and business development to secure research funding.

For a Senior Research Consultant role, we would like to hear from applicants with in-depth research experience in water and/or sanitation, which could include masters by research or a doctorate.

You will be leading and contributing to team-based research including design, data collection, analysis, writing and communication, building capacity of research partners in Asia and the Pacific, providing research project management for medium and large research projects, contributing to strategic planning and providing leadership of proposals for external funding opportunities and other outputs.

We are looking for candidates who have a real passion and a genuine desire to learn and contribute to a team. Excellent writing and data analysis skills are required for all positions, as is the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.

Salary ranges for full time:

• Senior Research Consultant (Level 7) $100,695 to $111,394
• Research Principal (Level B) $117,420 to $138,973

The level of appointment is dependent upon the applicant’s skills, experience and competencies. Please apply for the level for which you would like to be considered for by the panel. The application procedure is detailed below. Please note: we also have another separate job advertisement for lower level positions within the same team (for Research Consultant – level 6 and for Research Assistant – Level 5) which less experienced researchers may consider applying for instead.

The university offers 17% employer provided superannuation and salary packaging opportunities. This appointment will be full-time on a Two-Year Full Time Fixed term basis. 0.8 FTE (4 days per week) will also be considered. This is a Sydney-based role with travel required to countries in Asia and the Pacific as part of a core requirement of the role.

How to Apply

Prior to commencing your application for the position level in which you are applying for, please review the Position Description and the Selection Criteria.

If applying for a Senior Research Consultant (HEW Level 7) role, please address selection criteria points, found under – 'Position Description and Selection Criteria - HEW 7 Senior Research Consultant' attachment:

• Research Skills
• Personal Attributes
• Communication Skills
• Experience Required

If applying for a Research Principal (Academic Level B) role, please address selection criteria points, found under – ‘Position Description and Selection Criteria - Level B Research Principal' attachment:

• Research Skills
• Personal Attributes
• Communication Skills
• Experience Required

Applications that do not respond directly to the relevant selection criteria will not be considered by the selection panel. For advice on writing to selection criteria see this link. If you wish to apply for more than 1 position level, please apply within the one application, but address the criteria clearly and separately for each role.

Three documents are required for the application:

1.  a (maximum) one page cover letter, including outlining your motivation and interest in the role in relation to your career goals. Please specify the level role in which you are applying for within your cover letter.
2. a Statement addressing the specific selection criteria for the Position you are applying for outlining how your capabilities, skills and experience align with selection criteria listed above
3. a CV of maximum two pages.

Only those applications submitted via the UTS online recruitment system will be accepted.

Please have all required documents and information available prior to commencing the application process as you will be unable to save your application once started.

Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to Recruitment Team at [email protected], using the subject line: Research Principal enquiry via EthicalJobs.

We are accepting applications from exceptional international candidates.

Please find the position descriptions attached.