Research Fellow, Creative and Cultural Research

• Full-time, ongoing position at Academic Level B.
• Parramatta South campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: $123,327 – $145,625 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading

Deliver impactful research at the intersection of creative practice, culture and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The Opportunity
The successful candidate will contribute to the Institute for Culture and Society’s research excellence through independent and collaborative research in creative and cultural research. This includes advancing practice-led, arts-based and interdisciplinary research that integrates creative practice with scholarly inquiry and societal engagement.

They will develop and deliver high-quality research outputs across both traditional and non-traditional forms, including publications, creative works and exhibitions. They will also contribute to securing external research funding and support the development of competitive grant applications, particularly in national and industry-funded schemes. Working across disciplines, you will collaborate with colleagues and partners to strengthen connections between Arts and STEM and contribute to major research initiatives.

They will play a role in teaching and supervision, supporting undergraduate and postgraduate learning while guiding honours and higher degree research candidates. They will also engage with industry, cultural institutions and communities to translate research into impact, policy insights and public engagement outcomes aligned to key research programs such as Automated Worlds, Borders and Migration, Environment and Technology, Queer Cultures and Urban Futures.

What Success Looks Like:

• Delivery of high-quality research outputs including publications and creative works.
• Successful contribution to external research funding and grant applications.
• Effective collaboration across disciplines and with external partners.
• High-quality teaching and supervision of research students to completion.
• Demonstrated research impact through partnerships, engagement and knowledge exchange.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• PhD or Professional Doctorate in a relevant discipline such as media studies, cultural studies, or creative arts.
• Strong track record in interdisciplinary and practice-led research outputs.
• Experience securing external research funding and developing grant applications.
• Proven ability to build collaborative partnerships across academia, industry and community.
• Experience in teaching and supervising higher degree research students.

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

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Juan Salazar, Interim Director, Institute for Culture and Society via J.Salazar@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1588I. 
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 2 August 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. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

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 talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.

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.