Are you passionate about caring for Country and community and creating positive social and environmental change? Would you like to develop your research career with the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF), at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS)? For 29 years, ISF has been a recognised leader in applied sustainability research (including social justice), both in Australia and internationally. We deliver impactful research through partnerships with communities, government, industry, civil society, and the global research community.

ISF is committed to embedding Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, research methodologies and leadership across our research programs. In alignment with the UTS Indigenous Education and Research Strategy 2025–2030 and the Wingara Indigenous Employment Strategy, we are seeking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recent graduates who are passionate about sustainability and eager to grow their research careers in a supportive environment.

You will work on engaging and impactful research projects across our Energy Futures, Resource Stewardship, Climate-KIC, International Development, Business Economy and Governance, and Water Futures programs — contributing your unique perspectives and knowledge to research that makes a real difference.

UTS is deeply committed to Indigenous self-determination, being a culturally safe workplace, and growing Indigenous-led research. These roles reflect that commitment, and you will be supported to develop your career within an institution that champions Indigenous excellence as a core pillar of its 2030 strategy.

About the role

We are looking for entry level researchers with qualitative and/or quantitative skills who are capable of contributing to high-impact research in a consultancy-style environment. You will be motivated and curious about sustainability – including the social aspects of sustainability – and bring a genuine desire to learn and contribute.

Your perspectives as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researcher will enrich ISF's work across its water, energy, circular economy, international development and sustainable finance programs.

For quantitative researchers, proficiency in Excel is essential. Experience using other quantitative programs is desirable. For qualitative researchers, experience with literature reviews, essay and report writing, and qualitative research skills, such as workshop facilitation is beneficial.

We would like to hear from graduates who have a strong interest in caring for Country and a flexible approach to working on different issues and with a range of team members. You will contribute as a team member to research project tasks, organising research activities (like workshops and interviews), supporting outreach and engagement, and assisting with the preparation of proposals for external funding opportunities, written reports, and publications.

This entry level research role is suitable for recent graduates at an undergraduate or master’s level.

Selection Criteria

When applying, please indicate if you are predominantly a qualitative or quantitative researcher or both (mixed methods).

In a separate document, please respond to the detailed numbered selection criteria found at the end of the position description by writing up to half a page for each criterion. In brief, the selection criteria are:

1. Research skills (qualitative or quantitative): You enjoy working with data and/or people to answer research questions, using qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. You have completed, or are close to completing, an undergraduate or master’s degree relevant to applied research.
2. Communication skills: You communicate clearly in writing and conversations, contributing to reports, presentations or engagement activities.
3. Project management skills: You can support research projects by managing tasks, timelines and competing priorities.
4. Community engagement/relationships experience: You value respectful relationships and have experience engaging thoughtfully with communities or stakeholders.
5. Knowledge of some sustainability and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues and ways of working: You bring curiosity and respect to sustainability challenges and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, perspectives and practices.

Remuneration & Benefits

Base Salary Range: Research Assistant (Level 5) — $83,906 to $95,989

This role attracts 17% superannuation in addition to the base salary.

UTS staff also benefit from a wide range of employee benefits including flexible work practices, cultural leave, childcare centres, generous parental leave, and salary packaging opportunities.

This position is full-time or part time and the appointment will be made on a fixed-term basis for two years.

How to Apply

To submit your application, please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.

Submit your resume, selection criteria and cover letter as part of your application. When applying, please indicate if you are predominantly a qualitative or quantitative researcher or both (mixed methods). Please ensure that the file name for each document submitted includes IRC337164 and your name.

Applications should be submitted only via the UTS online recruitment system.

UTS is committed to building a culturally safe and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply and welcome your contribution to our research community.

UTS prioritises safety, respect, and inclusion for every member of our community. In support of this, and in line with our statutory obligations under the National Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2026, all prospective employees must declare any past investigations relating to gender-based violence. Employment at UTS is contingent upon completion of this declaration, and, where necessary, assessment of any identified risk factors. We appreciate your role in upholding the standards and behaviour expected of our community.

A position description is attached.