Exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to lead community engagement initiatives in climate transition across the Hunter Region
Casual position starting September 2025
HEO 5, Step 1, $61.44 per hour plus super
About the opportunity
While there is broad-based support for action in response to climate change, the effects of this climate and economic transition will be felt unevenly across the country. In communities whose economy and social infrastructure has relied on fossil fuels, there is understandable concern about the nature of change. Places like the Hunter are not only sites of decarbonisation but strategic locations for renewables infrastructure and will be critical to economic transformation over the coming decades. But when climate policy is planned and undertaken, changes are rarely explored “with” communities. Change frequently happens “to” them led by decision makers in government and industry with little engagement by locals or interest in local concerns.
This role is part of the Real Deal for Australia project that was launched by Associate Professor Amanda Tattersall in 2019 to support community engagement in the process of climate transition, and to assist communities to have a voice and say in directing how energy and economic transition occurs. The Real Deal operates in Geelong, Gladstone, Hunter, Western Sydney and the Northern Rivers, and this project is part of an Australian Policy Institute Award to support community engagement in renewables infrastructure, working with the Hunter Community Alliance and providing advice to the NSW Government. The project uses strategies like community organising and coalition building to identify new ways of building community-led policy.
The University of Sydney invites applications for a Research Assistant to join a dynamic team focused on community engagement in climate transition within the Hunter Region. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to qualitative research that informs sustainable climate policies and practices.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
Conduct qualitative interviews and focus groups with community members, local organisations, and stakeholders in the Hunter Region.
Participate and support the co-design working groups with community members and public servants (including running meetings, structuring agendas)
Providing draft analysis of data and finds to be reviewed an analysed by the community advisory teams
Co-author written outputs
About You
Demonstrated experience in qualitative research methodologies, including data collection, transcription, and analysis.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse community groups.
Willingness to travel to the Hunter Region; access to a car is preferred.
Preferably currently enrolled in or intending to enrol in a Master's or PhD program or a completion of an undergraduate degree is a must.
Interest in community engagement, community organising and strategies for people to participate in research and public decision making
Sponsorship / work rights for Australia
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 Mari Lewis , Recruitment Consultant Recruitment Operations, by email to mari.lewis@sydney.edu.au
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Applications Close
Sunday 17 August 2025 11:59 PM