Academic Project Lead – Business Responses to Climate Risk

UNSW is seeking an Academic Project Lead for Business Responses to Climate Risk, based in Kensington, NSW, Australia. This part-time role (0.4 FTE) runs until May 2026 and involves leading multidisciplinary research, fostering collaborations, securing funding, and mentoring researchers. The position offers flexible working options, competitive salary, and various benefits. Candidates should have a PhD and experience in large-scale research projects.
This Job is based in Australia
•  Employment Type: Part-time (0.4 FTE)
•  Duration: Fixed term until end of May 2026
•  Remuneration: Competitive salary
•  Location: Kensington NSW (Hybrid Flexible Working)

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. We’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re one of the top 50 universities in the world and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Why Your Role Matters

As the Academic Project Lead – Business Responses to Climate Risk, you will play a pivotal role in advancing UNSW’s leadership in climate risk research. Based in the UNSW Business School, you will lead high-impact, multidisciplinary research and foster strategic collaborations across academia, industry, and government. You will also serve as Senior Deputy Director of the UNSW Institute for Climate Risk & Response (ICRR), helping to shape a university-wide translational research initiative that addresses the real-world challenges of climate change.

Responsibilities
• Lead innovative research on business responses to climate risk
• Build and coordinate cross-sector collaborations with industry and government
• Secure competitive and industry research funding
• Mentor early career researchers and foster a culture of research excellence
• Translate research into real-world impact through policy, education, and commercialisation
• Contribute to the development of a UNSW-wide climate risk research entity

Who You Are
• PhD in a relevant discipline
• Proven leadership in large-scale, multidisciplinary research projects
• Strong track record of industry engagement and funding success
• Experience building institutional support for cross-disciplinary initiatives
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills

Benefits And Culture
• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
• Career development opportunities
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

For further details on the benefits, please visit UNSW Lifestyle Benefits

How To Apply

Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before Tuesday 10th June at 11:30pm Sydney time. A copy of the Position Description can be found below this ad.

Get In Touch

Persa Tzakis

Talent Acquisition Team Leader and Executive Resourcer

p.tzakis@unsw.edu.au

Please apply through the application portal and not via the contact above.

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.