Academic Research Project Director

• Part-time (0.4 FTE), fixed term until 31 December 2026

• Opportunity to work on a Sydney Environment Institute Research Project focused on decarbonising healthcare

• Base Salary (Academic Level B) $118,390 + 17% superannuation  

About the opportunity

The Sydney Environment Institute is looking for an Academic Research Project Director to join a new three-year Research Project that aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the healthcare system. SEI researchers with expertise in healthcare and clinical practice, health policy and education, and emissions tracking have been collaborating to develop systemic responses to emissions from healthcare systems and practices. Our aim is to build the knowledge base required to reduce the levels of healthcare-related emissions and establish pathways to action at multiple levels. The project will measure the emissions produced by common medical activities and refine emission measurement methodologies for healthcare. It will also identify the best methods and tools for communicating carbon costs to health consumers, clinicians, and hospital/health service executives.

The Academic Research Project Director will play a key role in leading this Research Project. They will be responsible for setting the research agenda and ensuring the whole research program meets its set objectives. They will support the Chief Investigators and lead/supervise academics and research professionals to support the research.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Under direction from the Chief Investigators (CI), lead a research team to contribute to the development of an evidence-based, a peer-recognised methodology for estimating the carbon footprint of healthcare activities, which will inform clinical and health policy decisions.

• in consultation with stakeholders, design a transdisciplinary research strategy to identify, trial and evaluate opportunities for health systems interventions that reduce the carbon footprint as measured.

• facilitate the engagement of key stakeholders in the local, state, and federal health system, the University of Sydney, and the wider research community in operationalising any successful research outcomes.

• provide overall and day-to-day leadership of the project and team.

• supervise/oversee/coordinate the project post-doctoral researchers as appropriate based on supervision requirements

• coordinate the creation of peer-reviewed publications from the research

• Provide advice to the CI and keep them informed of key project developments.

About you

Required:

• Doctoral qualifications in a relevant field such as sustainability, organisation studies or public health

• demonstrated extensive experience and knowledge in the field of sustainability and emissions measurement through tertiary qualification or equivalent industry experience

• experience and knowledge of identifying and implementing appropriate sustainability and/or emissions reduction interventions in complex social settings such as healthcare or similar

• ability to oversee and coordinate project-related research and publication activity in a team of academic and professional staff

• demonstrated use of interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills when engaging and managing stakeholder partnerships

• demonstrated ability to organise and prioritise work, sometimes under pressure, with competing priorities and limited supervision

• knowledge of the Higher Education Research Data Collection and ethics reporting requirements.

 Desirable:

• Familiarity with the operation of the Australian healthcare system

• understanding in emissions measurement using various methods including Environmentally Extended Input-Output (EEIO) and process-based Life-Cycle Analysis (process-based LCA), with knowledge of their hybridisation in appropriate contexts.

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Sponsorship / work rights forAustralia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed-term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the reasons for the position.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary steps, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion, and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. 

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For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Portia Fitzpatrick, Recruitment Operations by email to ***********@sydney.edu.au

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