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The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences is a large, collaborative and multi-disciplinary school in the Faculty of Science at the University of New South Wales with over 170 academic, research and professional staff. In 2025, the school obtained $22M in research funding, produced over 800 scientific publications and is frequently rated among the top schools across UNSW in student experience surveys. The School incorporates a broad range of disciplines, enabling comprehensive education and research in the broad fields of Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Geography, Climate Science, Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Marine Science and Oceanography.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will investigate future changes in evapotranspiration across southeastern Australia and examine how current hydrologic modelling platforms that use Potential Evapotranspiration as an input reproduce observations of evapotranspiration. This role will work with state-of-the-art regional climate model and ecohydrologic model outputs to inform better process representation in conceptual hydrologic models. Additionally, the Postdoctoral Fellow provides advice to the project’s government partner on operationalising the research findings.  

THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

About the role

• Level A ($113k - $121k) plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 1 year
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
• Conduct research to create scholarly outputs as well as operational advice for water managers.
• Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. literature review, data analysis, and modelling using appropriate research methods.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
• Regularly present updates to the UNSW supervisor and the experts at NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
• Lead the preparation of a report describing the research and its outcomes to NSW DCCEEW.
• Document all modelling and data analysis in line with the principles of reproducible research.
• Provide usable outputs to NSW DCCEW as well as advice for operationalising 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 hydrology, ecosystem modelling, or a related discipline.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and work independently.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and 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 within the position description in your application.

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

Contact:
Clare Stephens
E: clare.stephens@unsw.edu.au
Applications close:  August 17^th, 2026

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.

UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks, and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).