Institute of Open Adoption Studies
Sydney School of Education and Social Work
Reference no. 546/0317

• Join an organisation that encourages progressive thinking
• Undertake child-centred research on the practice of open adoption
• Fixed term until end of 2019 (with the possibility of extension dependent upon funding), Academic Level B or C appointment with attractive remuneration

About the opportunity 

This position is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled researcher with a demonstrated interest in research questions relating to child well-being, children in out-of-home care or open adoption practice.

The Institute of Open Adoption Studies (the Institute) is an independent centre publicly funded by the NSW Government and hosted by the Faculty of Education and Social Work. The Institute is a joint venture between the University of Sydney and Barnardos Australia. The purpose of the Institute is to undertake child-centred research on the practice of open adoption in order to inform best practice in this area.

This new position reports to the newly appointed Institute Director, Associate Professor Amy Conley Wright.

In the role you’ll provide deep technical knowledge and project management support to the Director and collaborate with academics and research professionals to support the research requirements for the Institute as well as being able to undertake your own relevant research. This includes actively leading and contributing to research activities, designing research protocols, undertaking critical aspects of research work including formation of analysis and key findings.

There is also potential to supervise students and contribute to teaching as required. 

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance in recruiting talent aligned to these values in the pursuit of research excellence. We are looking for an academic who possesses:

• a completed or near complete (i.e. within the next 3 months) PhD in social work, psychology, health science or another relevant field.
• a demonstrated interest in research questions relating to child welfare, child well- being or out-of-home care systems
• a demonstrated research track record with peer reviewed publications
• excellent research project skills, communication and organisational skills
• financial management experience
• willingness to contribute to student supervision and teaching.

About us

Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion, and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across 9 campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 47,000 students.

We are undergoing significant transformative change which brings opportunity for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us.

For more information on the position and University, please view the candidate information pack available from the job’s listing on the University of Sydney careers website.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.  Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number to apply.

Closing date: 11:30pm, 18 April 2017 (Sydney time)

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.

If we think your skills are needed in other areas of the University, we will be sure to contact you about other opportunities.

© The University of Sydney

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