• Work with Dr Michelle Peterie and the Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies team to generate foundational knowledge about children's experiences of immigration detention and deportation
• Full-time (1.0FTE) for 2 years with the possibility of extension OR part-time (0.6FTE) for 3 years with the possibility of extension
• Academic Level A/ B, Base salary from $109,301 (pro rata) + 17% superannuation
• Start February 2025

About the opportunity

The Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies (SCHS) is a Flagship Centre for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at The University of Sydney, housing leading humanities and social science scholars working across various spheres of health and wellbeing. Our work in the Centre spans the key research themes of 1) Politics and Economies of Health and Wellbeing; 2) Race, Ethnicity and the Biohumanities; 3) Health/Care Across Time, Place and Scale; 4) Work, Education and Welfare; 5) The Social Life of Food and Nourishment; and 6) Migration, Im/mobility and Belonging.

The School of Social and Political Sciences (SSPS) at The University of Sydney is a leading social science environment, with outstanding staff and students undertaking world-leading teaching and research. The School comprises the disciplines of Sociology and Criminology, Anthropology, Government and International Relations, and Political Economy.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Level A) or Research Fellow (Level B) to join our team at the University of Sydney's Camperdown campus. The fixed-term role is available full-time (1.0FTE) for 2 years, or part-time (0.6FTE) for three years. The initial contract may be extended subject to performance and funding.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow/ Research Fellow will work under the guidance of Dr Michelle Peterie, Professor Alex Broom and Professor Greg Marston, alongside a dynamic team of social science researchers, 'expert by experience' advisory board members, and community collaborators.

The successful candidate with contribute to a growing program of research about the impacts of immigration detention and deportation on children and families. In particular, they will make critical contributions to a recently funded Australian Research Council Linkage Project entitled The Forgotten Children, Ten Years On. This project is being undertaken in partnership with the Australian Human Rights Commission and aims to generate a combination of high-quality peer-reviewed publications and translational outputs to inform policy and practice.

Applicants should have a background in a relevant discipline such as (but not limited to) sociology, criminology, social work, or anthropology. More than specialisation in a particular discipline or sub-field, we are looking for demonstrated potential for scholarly excellence and collaboration. Experience undertaking qualitative research on sensitive topics is essential, as are highly developed skills in writing, qualitative data analysis and project management, and the ability to build and maintain generative relationships with diverse stakeholders. Skills in quantitative data analysis are desirable but not essential.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• undertake qualitative fieldwork (local and interstate), including conducting in-depth interviews with people who were detained by Australia as children
• lead or contribute to the analysis of qualitative and/or quantitative data
• lead or contribute to co-authored academic articles with members of the research team
• lead or contribute to the dissemination of research findings to policymakers and members of the public
• take responsibility (under the supervision of Dr Michelle Peterie) for the day-to-day logistics of carrying out research, including participant recruitment
• maintain relationships with 'expert by experience' advisory board members and community stakeholders
• develop ethics submissions and satisfy reporting requirements
• further the vision and objectives of the Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

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 Fellow in Sociology (Level A) / Research Fellow in Sociology (Level B) who has:

• a PhD in sociology, criminology, social work, anthropology or a closely related discipline
• advanced qualitative research skills and experience, including skills and experience analysing qualitative data
• experience undertaking sensitive research
• experience working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• an emerging research profile evidenced by high-quality peer-reviewed research
• demonstrated project management experience
• skills and experience analysing quantitative data (desirable but not essential)
• demonstrated capacity for engagement with social science/sociological concepts and theory
• demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• sound written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills suitable to collaborating in an academic context

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires valid work rights for Australia.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. This includes a working with children check. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. Applicants should indicate, in their application, whether they are applying for the position at Level A or Level B, and whether they would prefer a full-time (1.0FTE) appointment for two years with the possibility of extension, or a part-time (0.6FTE) appointment for three years with the possibility of extension.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Lena Jiang, Recruitment Operations by email to lena.jiang@sydney.edu.au.

Copyright The University of Sydney

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 13 October 2024 11:59 PM