• Join the exciting UKRI GCRF Gender, Justice and Security Hub and network with leading scholars from across the world
• Camperdown Campus
• Academic Level B, fixed term from February 2020 until June 2023, part-time (0.5 FTE) salary: $53K to $63K plus leave loading and generous superannuation

About the opportunity 

The UK Research and Innovation GCRF Gender, Justice and Security Hub is a multi-country, multi-stakeholder initiative funded for 5 years to deliver innovative interdisciplinary research on the challenge of achieving gender justice and inclusive security in conflict-affected societies. The Hub addresses the overlapping of three major policy areas: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 on gender equality; SDG 16 on peace, inclusivity and justice; and the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

A Postdoctoral Research Fellow is sought to undertake directed research on two Hub projects, under the supervision of Hub Co-Director Professor Laura J. Shepherd. The two Hub projects are:

1)     Donor Funding and the Implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda; and

2)     Innovative Methods and Methodological Innovation in Research on Gender, Justice and Security.

As the successful candidate you will consolidate and extend collaborative relationships with civil society organisations working on the implementation of Women, Peace and Security agenda in a number of case study countries in order to engage these organisations in the planned research. The projects will involve desk-based research, field research in case study countries, presenting research findings at Hub conventions over the life of the projects, and writing research output for academic and non-academic audiences.

The work of the Hub is guided by a feminist research ethic and the Hub leadership team is committed to mentoring and capacity-sharing as part of the ongoing research practice. This role therefore represents a valuable opportunity to develop both networks and skills in the field of gender, justice and security research under the guidance of some of the leading scholars in these fields.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow who has:

• completed a PhD in Politics/International Relations or a closely aligned discipline, or is near completion (providing evidence of intention to submit within three months of commencement in the role);
• broad knowledge of research at the intersections of gender, justice and security, with a specialisation in one or more of these areas;
• knowledge of the Women, Peace and Security agenda;
• knowledge of debates in Politics and International Relations about innovative methods (e.g. narrative techniques, aesthetic techniques, participation action research), particularly in conflict-affected settings;
• experience with qualitative research methods, including field research techniques such as interviewing and focus groups, and knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, analytical techniques such as thematic analysis, content analysis, discourse analysis, and basic statistical analysis;
• demonstrated high-level investigative skills, and competence in the searching of information from archives and library data bases;
• evidenced a high level of competence in academic writing and a good existing publication record appropriate to career level and relative to opportunity;
• exceptional organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to plan and manage elements of complex research projects independently and interact productively with a wide range of academic and non-academic stakeholders;
• enthusiasm for stakeholder engagement and a strong motivation to contribute to knowledge through high-impact academic research.

About us

This position will sit within The University of Sydney, Department of Government and International Relations (GIR) which is one of four departments within the School of Social and Political Sciences (SSPS), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The Department has a firm commitment to research-led teaching, the production of high-impact research, and the effective engagement of non-academic stakeholders in the conduct and use of research. The Department is a high-performing research environment, with research in the broad field of Political Science recognised as ‘well above world standard’ (5) in two consecutive Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) exercises.

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 our campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 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.

How to apply

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 1706/0819F to apply.

Please note: neither visa sponsorship or relocation expenses are available for this position.

Closing date: 11:30pm, Tuesday 8 October (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.

© The University of Sydney

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