• Join a dynamic team of social scientists at the School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Sydney, working on the social and political dimensions of cancer
• Located at our Camperdown/Darlington campus
• Full-time, 2 year fixed term (with possible extension for a futher 12 months), Academic Level A, salary $94K - $101K p.a plus leave loading and generous superannuation

About the opportunity 

This role is your opportunity to work on a new Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Grant focused on innovatively mapping the social and political dimensions of precision medicine in adult and children’s cancer care. This project is a collaboration between The University of Sydney, Duke University, The University of Vienna, the University of NSW, the Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney Children’s Hospital, and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

Your broad purpose will be to conduct high quality social research, publish in high impact peer-reviewed journals (or similar outlets), apply for external grants, and contribute to a collaborative research program directed by Professor Alex Broom.

Specifically the project will involve innovative qualitative data collection and analysis of the social, cultural, ethical, moral and economic dimenions of precision medicine from the perspectives of cancer patients, families, health professionals and laboratory scientists. The design includes qualitative interviews, solicited diaries and focus groups. The focus will be on adults, children and families who are receiving, or may potentially receive, precision (or ‘targeted’’ therapies).

We are looking for a researcher who may have a background in various areas of sociology or the health social sciences, including but not limited to, health sociology, social studies of science, social and political theory, gender studies, sociology of the body/emotions, sociology of the family and so on. The preference is for scholarly excellence (and potential) in sociology or health social science, rather than specialisation a particular sub-field. A solid understanding of, and facility with, sociological theory and skills in qualitative research with the capacity to do fieldwork is essential.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate who has:

• a complete or near complete PhD in sociology or a closely related discipline
• an emerging research profile evidenced by high-quality, peer reviewed research in sociological/social science research
• experience designing, running and disseminating social research projects including collecting and analysing qualitative data
• a demonstrated capacity for high-level engagement with sociological theory
• the capacity to work with vulnerable populations and conduct research on sensitive issues
• the ability to contribute to the preparation and submission of research grants
• demonstrated initiative, team work, communication and interpersonal skills in an academic context

About us

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offers one of the most comprehensive and diverse ranges of humanities and social science studies in the Asia-Pacific region and is regularly ranked in the top 20 faculties of its kind.

The School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Sydney is home to the key social science disciplines, with outstanding staff and students undertaking world-leading teaching and research.  The School comprises the departments of Anthropology, Government and International Relations, Political Economy, Sociology and Social Policy and Peace and Conflict Studies.

Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion, and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across our campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 students.

We are undergoing significant transformative change which brings opportunity for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us.

How to apply

For more information on the position and University, please view the position description available from the job’s listing on the University of Sydney careers website.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website. Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number 2059/0919F to apply.

Closing date: 11:30pm, Wednesday 30 October 2019 (Sydney time)

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.