Research Associate Data Scientist

Research Associate Data Scientist at UNSW

This Research Associate Data Scientist position is based in Australia and offers a 12-month fixed-term contract.

Remuneration for this role is between $91,381 - $121,838 AUD, plus 17% superannuation and leave loading. The position is located at the UNSW Kensington Campus.

Why This Role Matters

The Research Associate Data Scientist is a pivotal member of funded research projects, focusing on activities such as data collection, data wrangling, big data analytics, and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. This role specifically centers on data and analytics related to development applications across Australia and is an integral part of the City Futures Research Centre.

Reporting to a Senior Lecturer, the Research Associate works within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team comprising data scientists, software engineers, and computer scientists. This role does not have any direct reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute independently and collaboratively to research activities that enhance the quality and impact of research outcomes.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research tasks including literature reviews, surveys, data collection, recording, and analysis using relevant methods.
• Collect, clean, manage, and analyze research data from diverse sources, including open data repositories and government/industry partners, supporting the Australian Development Applications Intelligence project.
• Apply established and emerging analytical methods, such as 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.

Skills and Experience

Candidates for the Research Associate Data Scientist role should possess:

• A PhD in a related discipline and/or relevant professional experience in urban analytics, data science, modeling 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.

Benefits and Culture

At UNSW, people are at the core of everything we do. We recognize that the contributions of our staff make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our comprehensive benefits include:

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

How to Apply

To apply, submit your CV and a separate document outlining your suitability for the role in relation to each of the selection criteria (as listed under 'Skills & Experience Summary') via the application portal. The application deadline is 8 March at 11:30pm. Please note that applications sent via email will not be accepted. For recruitment process queries, contact Lucy Gerondis, Talent Acquisition Consultant, UNSW, at l.gerondis@unsw.edu.au.

UNSW is committed to fostering a culture that embraces equity, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and provide workplace adjustments for people with disability and flexible work options for eligible staff. Please be aware that UNSW is unable to offer sponsorship for this position; applicants must possess full Australian working rights for the duration of the contract.

Key skills/competency

• Data Science
• Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Python
• R Programming
• Spatial Analysis
• Natural Language Processing
• Urban Analytics
• Big Data
• Research Methodology