Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Geography and Urban Studies - Heat and Fire Impacts in Urban Green Spaces (Sydney)
Western Sydney University (View other jobs from this organisation)
First listed on: 12 November 2024
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Ref 4613/24 Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Geography and Urban Studies - Heat and Fire Impacts in Urban Green Spaces (Sydney), School of Social Sciences
- Part-Time 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE), Fixed term Position for 2 years
- Based at Western’s Engineering Innovation Hub (6 Hassall Street, Parramatta)
- $87,889 to $106,184 p.a. (pro-rata rates) Inclusive of Super + Leave Loading
- Join an exciting research project focusing on mitigating the impact of natural disasters in urban green spaces.
Western Sydney University is a modern, forward-thinking, research-led university, located in the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing, economically significant region. The University has 11 campuses in Sydney, as well as campuses in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Surabaya, Indonesia, with plans for campuses in India. The University promotes a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative culture focused on research and dedicated to student-centred excellence.
We operate a rich and multidisciplinary research program focusing on the future of cities. As hot spots of climate change impacts, their growing populations require effective and strategies for adaptation to, and mitigation of, a range of impacts. In the past decade, urban green spaces have emerged as key landscape elements that add resilience to cities, and new strategies emerge that concentrate on optimising the ecosystem services provided by these spaces.
The Opportunity
Are you passionate about urban green spaces and their role in disaster preparedness and recovery? Western’s School of Social Sciences are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Urban Management and Planning, Ecosystem Modelling, Computational Modelling or similar, with a focus on extreme heat and fire impacts and mitigation, to join the research team in Parramatta.
You will work on our research project titled "Managing resilient urban green spaces in Australian cities" supported by Hort Frontiers. This project merges excellent research in Urban Management and Planning (our School of Social Sciences) with People-focused Sustainable Precinct Design (our Urban Transformations Research Centre), to create a collaborative innovation environment that has computational modelling of impacts from floods, fires and heatwaves on urban green spaces at its core. This industry-informed research also involves partnerships with the University of NSW and the University of Melbourne.
As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will play a pivotal role in our research efforts and be involved in research on planning, designing and managing public urban green spaces to reduce the impacts and risks associated with extreme heat and fire. You will undertake systematic reviews of Australian and International literature on urban green space design, engineering and management for heat and fire preparedness and response, for comprehensive synthesis. Working with the research team you will identify and test models for natural hazard simulation in urban and peri-urban landscapes, then calibrate selected models for scenario simulation of various landscapes and management approaches under a range of natural hazard events. This project involves collaboration with other researchers at University of Melbourne and University of New South Wales, as well as government organisations and advocacy groups. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will communicate findings at meetings, publish research in high-impact journals and present at industry relevant conferences. Additionally, you will contribute to project reports, reviews and articles for media publication, as well as provide research updates for funders and industry stakeholders.
This is a part-time 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE), fixed-term opportunity for 2 years. You will be based at Western’s Engineering Innovation Hub in Parramatta, Sydney, although travel to campuses of the University may be required. Please note Relocation Assistance/Allowance is not available for this position.
Please review the position description for further information.
About You
You hold a postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline and have specialised experience in multi-scale computer models, particularly in relation to fire and heat impacts on urban landscapes. Your deep understanding of climate change impacts on cities and their green spaces, combined with your experience in quantitative analysis, literature review, and synthesis, makes you a valuable asset. You have a proven track record of leading peer-reviewed publications in quality journals and thrive in multidisciplinary academic environments. Your excellent communication skills enable you to effectively engage with a range of stakeholders, including policymakers and community leaders.
Apply now to be a part of our innovative team and contribute to the future of urban green spaces in Australia.
Remuneration Package: Academic Level A $87,889 to $106,184 p.a. (comprising Salary of $74,267 to $89,726 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading)
Please note - the above salary range is 0.8 FTE of the full-time equivalent rate.
Position Enquiries: Please direct enquires about the role to Professor Sebastian Pfautsch, Professor in Urban Management and Planning via email at S.Pfautsch@westernsydney.edu.au
Recruitment Enquiries: Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Recruitment Team at recruitmentpartnerships@westernsydney.edu.au
Closing Date: 8:30pm, Sunday 24 November 2024
Working Rights in Australia - Eligibility
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. You must provide evidence of your working rights in Australia at time of application.
Only those applications submitted via the WSU online recruitment system will be accepted.
Full details on how to apply for these positions can be found at our website. Western Sydney University values workplace diversity.
WESTERNSYDNEY.EDU.AU/VACANCIES
Job Summary
- Closing Date:
- 24 Nov 2024
- Location:
- NSW - Sydney
- Salary:
- $87,889 to $106,184 p.a. (pro-rata rates) Inclusive of Super
- Work Type:
- Part Time
- Category:
-
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