Research Associate (Data Scientist) - City Futures Research Centre

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• Remuneration: $91,381 – $121,838 + 17% super + Leave Loading
  
• Location: UNSW Kensington Campus
  
• Employment Type: 12 month fixed‑term contract
  
• Based in Australia
  

The Research Associate (Data Scientist) plays a key role in funded research projects, undertaking activities such as data collection, data wrangling, big data analytics, and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. The role is focused on data and analytics related to development applications across Australia and is based within the City Futures Research Centre. The Research Associate reports to a Senior Lecturer and works as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of data scientists, software engineers, and computer scientists and has no direct reports.

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• Contribute independently and collaboratively to research activities that enhance the quality and impact of research outcomes in the discipline.
  
• Undertake discipline appropriate research tasks including literature reviews, surveys, data collection, recording and analysis using appropriate research methods.
  
• Collect, clean, manage, and analyse research data from diverse sources, including open data repositories and government and industry partners, in support of the Australian Development Applications Intelligence project.
  
• Apply established and emerging analytical methods, including spatial analysis, natural language processing and machine learning, under the guidance of senior academic staff.
  
• Contribute to scholarly outputs and support the dissemination of research findings through publications, conferences and workshops.
  
• Assist with supervision of research students and contribute to the broader development of research activities within the project team.
  

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• A PhD in a related discipline and/or relevant professional experience in urban analytics, data science, modelling and simulation, computer science, or geographic information science.
  
• Demonstrated skills in data analytical techniques, including geoprocessing, spatial statistics, big data analytics, and spatial data mining.
  
• Experience applying artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, including natural language processing and other data mining methods, to large datasets (ideally urban or city‑scale data).
  
• Proficiency in computer programming for data analysis, with experience using languages such as Python and R to work with large and complex datasets.
  
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
  
• 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.
  

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• Career development opportunities
  
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
  
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
  
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)
  

Submit your CV and a separate document outlining your suitability for the role in relation to each of the selection criteria (listed under skills & experience above), via the application portal before 8 March at 11:30pm. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

UNSW is unable to offer sponsorship for this position. Applicants must have full Australian working rights for the duration of the contract.

Get in Touch: For queries regarding the recruitment process, contact Lucy Gerondis, Talent Acquisition Consultant, UNSW: (Applications sent via email will not be accepted; please apply via the application portal).

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. 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.