Job Description

Full-time, Ongoing position
Parramatta South campus with flexible working arrangements.
Salary: $176,296 to $193,784 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Lead impactful interdisciplinary research shaping environmental and societal futures.

The Opportunity
The Institute for Culture and Society is home to interdisciplinary research that explores how culture, society, technology, and the environment are transforming in a rapidly changing world. We're seeking an Associate Professor, Environmental Futures, who will strengthen the Institute’s research depth by delivering field-leading research that engages with communities, industry partners, and policymakers. Your work will advance priorities outlined in the Western 2030 strategy, including unlocking global impact, Indigenous acceleration, and strengthening student success.

You will conduct original research that contributes to major bids and Category 2 and 3 funding, while leading and shaping research across areas such as environmental histories and futures, climate action, social and ecological transitions, and environmental justice. You will engage with one or more ICS Research Programs, including Automated Worlds, Environment and Technology, Borders and Migration, Queer Cultures, and Urban Futures. Alongside research, you will supervise higher degree research students, contribute to curriculum development, build academic partnerships, and provide leadership within the Institute.

Your role will also involve mentoring early career researchers, representing the Institute in public and scholarly forums, and creating opportunities for collaboration across government, industry, and community sectors. Your contribution will help position the Institute as a national and international leader in environmental futures research.

What Success Looks Like:

Deliver original, high-quality research outputs and contribute to major competitive grant submissions.
Lead and manage research projects, including financial oversight and collaboration with internal and external partners.
Attract, supervise, and mentor higher degree research students toward timely completion.
Contribute to teaching and curriculum development across relevant Faculties.
Build strong external partnerships and contribute to public and academic engagement.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

You have completed a PhD in a relevant discipline, such as environmental humanities, geography, sociology, or science and technology studies.
Demonstrated research leadership, with a strong interdisciplinary publication record and engagement across academic, policy, and community sectors.
Experience in securing research income and fostering productive collaborations with industry, government, and funding bodies.
Proven capacity to supervise higher degree research students and contribute to curriculum development.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in team-based research environments.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Beyond a rewarding career, we offer a suite of benefits designed to support your physical, financial, and family wellbeing:

Fitness Passport: Access hundreds of gyms and pools across the state.
Onsite Childcare: Convenient facilities with exclusive staff discounts and salary packaging options.
Financial Benefits: Salary sacrifice options for onsite parking and novated motor vehicle leasing,
Holistic Support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) along with discounted retail and private health cover.

Application Details

Position Enquiries: Direct to Juan Francisco Salazar, Interim Director, Institute for Culture & Society via [email protected]. Please include the job reference code REF952F.
Closing Date: 11:59pm, Monday 16 March 2026
Working Rights: Employer Visa sponsorship will be provided if required.
How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact [email protected].

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.

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Associate Professor, Environmental Futures