Research Associate - Mathematics and Statistics

This Job is based in Australia

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best
  
  
  

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

We are looking to recruit a highly motivated Research Associate to join the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Mathematical Analysis of Cellular Systems (MACSYS). MACSYS brings together mathematical, computational, and biological scientists to generate the mathematics and computational technologies required to make biology predictive; tackle fundamental biological problems; and establish a world-leading research and biotechnology translation environment. MACSYS has a strong emphasis on equity and diversity in research, training, and outreach. Women and candidates from diverse backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.

The School of Mathematics and Statistics currently has more than sixty continuing academic staff and more than thirty research staff as well as visiting academics. UNSW is the top university in Australia for mathematics across the CWTS Leiden, ARWU, USNews, and QS rankings. In Statistics, the School has research strengths in Bayesian and Monte Carlo Methods, Biostatistics and Ecology, Combinatorics, Data Science, Finance and Risk Analysis, Nonparametric Statistics, Optimisation, Stochastic Analysis, and Stochastic Modelling. The School’s research groups are interconnected, with frequent interactions between groups and with other schools and faculties both within and outside UNSW.

The Research Associate will undertake collaborative and self-directed research. In this role, the position will focus on linking macro-scale biological observations to micro-scale processes to characterise the relative role that different components and systems play in cellular systems.

The role will involve the application of mathematical modelling to cellular processes. This may involve spatial modelling, dynamical systems, computer simulation, stochastic processes, and model inference and selection to advance our understanding of phenomena involved in cellular systems, transport and signalling processes.

THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

About The Role

• Level A - $110K - $117K / Level B - $123K - $145K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 3 years
• Full-time (35 hours per week)
  
  
  

The role of Research Associate reports to Professor Adelle Coster and has no direct reports.

LEVEL A:

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
• Conduct research (as per the norms of the discipline) and/or enable research teams to create scholarly output that is recognised by peers.
• Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g., surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
• Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where required.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the UNSW Values in Action: Our Behaviours and the UNSW Code of Conduct.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.
  
  
  

LEVEL B:

(In addition to the above)

• Independently seek and apply for external funding opportunities to grow and enhance the research project.
• Participate in the definition of research directions and actively contributes to the coordination of research activities and research outputs to meet project milestones.
• Disseminate research results through writing of scientific papers and reports for international journals and progress reporting to other researchers and partners.
• Mentor and guide students and colleagues and develop the next generation of academics through involvement in supervision of HDRs (as per the norms of the discipline).
  
  
  

About The Successful Applicant

(Selection Criteria)

LEVEL A:

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A PhD (or near completion) in Mathematics or in a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with mathematical modelling, stochastic systems; parameter inference; and simulation and coding skills. Knowledge of cellular transport and signalling systems is highly desirable, though not essential.
• 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.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
  
  
  

LEVEL B:

(in addition to the above)

• Strong track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Proven ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise honours and postgraduate research students.
  
  
  

You should provide a cover letter and systematically address the accountabilities, skills and experience criteria listed within the position description in your application.

For informal queries, please see the below contact details.

Otherwise, please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.

Contact:

Adelle Coster

E: a.coster@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: March 2nd, 2025

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.