Research Associate (Plastics Economist)

Job no: 533993
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Post Doctoral Research Associate

• Duration: 6-month Fixed Term contract
• Employment Type: Full - Time (35-hour week)
• Remuneration: Level A from $91,381 plus 17% Superannuation and Leave Loading
• Location: Kensington, NSW

About us

The SDR Hub, established by the UNSW Faculty of Law and Justice in 2022, aims to connect knowledge and people to make small steps towards big changes. It creates safe spaces for changemakers—from government, business, and wider society—to plan pragmatic action for a sustainable low-carbon future informed by knowledge and insights from across the world. The SDR Hub builds on diverse research, education, and knowledge exchange partnerships aligned with global sustainable development commitments to drive forward the implementation of innovative and transformative workstreams. Currently active in over 20 countries, with a particular focus on Australia and the Pacific, the SDR Hub works closely with decision-makers across government, international institutions, local communities, and the private and non-private sectors to create new approaches to decision-making as well as bold and intelligent reforms.

Details of the role

The Research Associate (Plastics Economist) is expected to contribute to the collaborative and innovative research efforts of the Hub and continue to develop their research translation expertise. The Research Associate (Plastics Economist) will work with the wider multi-disciplinary research team to deliver waste and plastic accounts and to disseminate knowledge on the waste, recycling, plastics and related circular economies.

The Research Associate will report to the Director of the SDR Hub and has no direct reports.

Skills and Experience

Skills and experience required for this position include:

• A PhD in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience in the analysis of, and development of policy for waste, recycling, circular economy and related areas.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments. A working knowledge of waste accounting approaches, especially with relevance to SEEA or SNA is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality research and conduct independent research with supervision.
• Evidence of an ability to translate research into knowledge products for end users or decision-makers. Experience working within government or the public sector is highly desirable, as is experience with international negotiations, treaties or multi-country agreements.
• Project management, time management and organisational skills, including a demonstrated ability to interpret circumstances, meet competing deadlines and achieve objectives with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and/or 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.

Please refer to the position description for full list of Skills and Experience.

Pre-employment checks required for this position

• Verification of qualifications

UNSW Benefits and Culture

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading
• Flexible working
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices
• More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.

How to Apply

Please click on to apply online. Applications should not be sent to the contact listed below. Please provide a resume and a short cover letter addressing the skills and experience listed in the Position Description. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Contact

Anabel Wason, Talent Acquisition Consultant

a.wason@unsw.edu.au

Please apply through the application portal and not via the contact above.

Applications close: 11.30pm on Wednesday 20th August 2025 (Sydney time)

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