Postdoctoral Fellow, UNSW Nuclear Innovation Centre (UNIC)

Employment type:   Fixed-term contract, full-time (35 hours)
Duration: 3 years

Remuneration: Level A from $95,036 plus leave loading & 17% super
Location: UNSW Canberra, ADFA Campus

About UNSW Canberra

UNSW Canberra is a unique national institution, combining world-class education and research with strong partnerships across Defence, government and industry. We are committed to developing future leaders through outstanding teaching, innovative research and meaningful societal impact. Our approach is integral to the university's impact and contributes to its recognition as one of the top 20 universities globally, as well as a proud member of Australia's esteemed Group of Eight.

The School of Science at UNSW Canberra is home to a vibrant community of internationally recognised researchers, educators and professional staff dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Through cutting-edge facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong partnerships with Defence, government, industry and international research organisations, the School provides an exceptional environment for research, education and innovation with impact at national and global levels.

To learn more about the School of Science, please visit the UNSW Canberra School of Science website.

Why Your Role Matters:
Nuclear technologies are a topic of growing interest, both in Australia and internationally, driving a need for research that can provide context-appropriate, evidence-based insights regarding whether, when, and how such technologies should be designed, used and governed across their full lifecycles. This is your chance to inform national and global conversations about the roles nuclear technologies may play in our collective futures.

This postdoctoral role will contribute to the UNSW Nuclear Innovation Centre (UNIC) SocioTechnical nuclear Systems research program. You will work in a close-knit team of experts from UNSW Law, Engineering and Canberra faculties, as well with as key international research partners, on the sociotechnical aspects of nuclear technologies and their lifecycles.

A Research Associate/Post-Doctoral Fellow (Level A) is expected to contribute towards the research effort of UNSW and to develop their research expertise through the pursuit of defined projects relevant to their particular field of research. This role will be based in the School of Science at UNSW Canberra.

The position reports to Associate Professor Elizabeth Williams at UNSW School of Science and has no direct reports.

Who You Are (skills and experience): 

• A PhD in nuclear science, human-computer interaction, system sciences, systems engineering, design engineering, sociology, science communication or other relevant discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
• Evidence of, or demonstrated interest in, engagement in cross-disciplinary collaboration and scholarship.
• Demonstrated experience with qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed-methods research approaches.
• Experience with, or willingness to develop skills in, computational approaches to qualitative or quantitative data analysis.
• Proven commitment to proactively keep up to date with discipline knowledges and developments relevant to the research project(s).
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high-quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• 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.

Benefits and Culture:
UNSW is committed to helping staff balance work-life responsibilities, by providing access to high-quality services, facilities, and flexible work and leave arrangements.

• Flexible working options (work from home, flexible hours etc) 
• Additional three days leave during December festive period
• Career development opportunities 
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Flexible 17% superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice
• Free gym access
• UNSW-wide strategy to focus on Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Places and Healthy Culture. 

You can learn more about our Benefits and Culture at Lifestyle & Benefits UNSW

Eligibility: 

We will consider overseas applicants requiring sponsorship for this role.

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

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

How to Apply:

Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before Friday 18 September 2026 at 11:30pm, including your CV and a 1–2-page cover letter addressing the required skills and experience outlined in the position description. In order to view the position description, please ensure that you allow pop-ups for https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au

Get in Touch:

For role-related queries please contact:
A/Prof Elizabeth Williams

elizabeth.williams1@unsw.edu.au

For recruitment process-related queries please contact:
Holly Whale – Talent Acquisition Partner
h.whale@unsw.edu.au

Applications cannot be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.

Find out more about the lifestyle and benefits when working with UNSW  

For further information about UNSW Canberra, please visit: UNSW Canberra 
For further information on living in Canberra, please visit: Living in Canberra

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.