Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Social Science Research Infrastructure Network

• Institute for Social Science Research

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to three years

• Base salary will be in the range $78,871 - $105,004 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)

• Based at Long Pocket only 10 minutes from St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to the development of the research infrastructure for social sciences in Australia and gain experience in data skills and training development. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be a part of a team responsible for delivery of multiple projects within the portfolio of the Social Science Research Infrastructure Network (SSRIN), a multi-year project based at The University of Queensland’s (UQ) Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR), in collaboration with the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC). Working with a network of collaborators from universities, government departments, and community representatives, the SSRIN will deliver large-scale projects over a four-year period that improve research infrastructure for Australian social scientists, enabling social science researchers to more effectively and efficiently contribute to our understanding of the social world. In the context of this project, social science infrastructure includes integrated government administrative data, metadata and documentation, data governance (including governance of Indigenous data), and capacity building and training, with a particular focus on quantitative and computational skills.

This role encompasses working on delivery of multiple work packages within the SSRIN project, with a particular focus on improving the Person Level Integrated Data Asset (PLIDA) documentation and usability, and on developing the Australian Data Skills for Social Sciences Framework and an associated training program in research methods, data analytics, and digital tools for social science researchers.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: 

• Research: Improve PLIDA documentation and usability. Analyse large-scale government data and publish high-quality research.

• Teaching: Collaborate with partner institutions to develop the Australian Data Skills for Social Sciences Framework and design data skills courses.

• Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the supervision of Higher Degree by Research students, if relevant opportunities arise.

• Citizenship and Service: Demonstrate UQ values and lead through collaboration. Contribute to internal and external service roles, including building industry and government partnerships.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad:  from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in a relevant field of social science or a cognate discipline with a significant component of quantitative data analysis and data management (e.g., sociology, statistics, social policy, health).

• Experience working with quantitative social science data and methodologies, including the use of administrative data and metadata in social science.

• Advanced expertise in using statistical/programming tools or packages, such as R or Python.

• Interest in developing and delivering research methods courses.

• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively within a team as well as work independently when required.

Desirable

• Teaching experience, knowledge of effective pedagogy, course design, and related topics.

• Experience in research software development.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia and education check.
 

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Tomasz Zając at t.zajac@uq.edu.au.  For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
 

Want to Apply? 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Resume (max 3 pages)

• Cover letter (max 1 page)

• Responses to the ‘About You’ section (max 3 pages)

Other Information 

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close Monday, 27 January 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-46211). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for February 2025.