• 2x Full time, Fixed Term for 4 years
• Opportunity to be at the forefront of leading-edge global research
• Academic Level A Base Salary $109,301 + 17% superannuation
• Start February 2025

About the opportunity

The School of Art, Communication and English (SACE) explores the full spectrum of human expression and creativity, applying digital technology to humanities and social sciences. SACE is nationally and internally recognised for research strengths in literary studies, visual arts, art history, film studies, communication, media practice and digital cultures.

We are currently seeking applications for 2x Postdoctoral Research Fellow within Digital Communication, to work collaboratively in co-designing methodologies for research projects alongside Professor Terry Flew. The position will be based in the Media and Communications discipline within SACE supporting research conducted under an Australia Research Council (ARC) funded Laureate Fellowship. The ARC Laureate is the most prestigious award granted to Australian researchers, and Professor Flew leads a five-year project on "Mediated Trust: Ideas, Interests, Institutions, Futures".

The two positions will develop world leading research and research methods, with one role in reference to "Trust in Institutions," and the second "Trust in Artificial Intelligence (AI)". These projects aim to address declining trust in social, political and media institutions, which has been linked to the rise of populism, misinformation and civic disengagement. Acknowledging the key role of digital media in enabling trust or promoting mistrust, this project explores mediated trust at societal, institutional and interpersonal levels. The research leverages a novel framework of 'ideas, interests and institutions' and will develop innovative methods for analysing the relationship between digital communications and trust. These will deliver world-first integrative approaches for Australian policymakers, industry and regulators to address both crises of trust and our digital futures.

These positions provides the chance to further research capabilities through international travel and the opportunity to tackle a major issue of our time whilst building research capability and working in one of the world's leading universities. Successful candidates will also be affiliated with the new Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Trust and Governance.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• contribute to the knowledge and undertake original research within the Media and Communications discipline
• undertake qualitative data analysis and employ digital methods in applied research
• prepare and submit academic journal articles, and contribute to the editing of research collections
• significantly contribute to successful applications for competitive research grants and/ or funding to deliver research impact
• develop national and international research collaborations
• generate and circulate research findings leading to improved policy, professional practice, and industry and community engagement
• development of world-leading research and research methods for trust in media, with particular reference to (1) trust in institutions, and (2) trust in artificial intelligence.

About you

• a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant field relating to digital communications
• (for the Trust in Institutions role): must be able to speak Mandarin and have a good understanding of Chinese history, politics and culture
• evidence of holding an emerging research profile and the ability to conduct independent research and assume responsibility for the development and completion of research papers in a timely manner
• experience in applying qualitative and/or digital methods in the context of communication-related research
• experience utilising statistical packages and/or data visualisation tools
• demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, capacity to succeed in a fast-paced research-intensive environment, and sound written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills suitable to collaborating in an academic context
• previous attendance at international conferences and willingness to travel as required
• excellent presentation skills and experience presenting complex information to different audiences, including industry, government, civil society organisations, and through various media.

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. 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.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by 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.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

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.

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

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.