Research Fellow, Disability and Digital Citizenship

• 0.6 FTE Part-time, Fixed-Term Academic Level B role until 31 December 2030.
• Parramatta South campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: $123,327 – $145,625 plus 17% Super & Leave Loading (Pro-rata).

Conduct survey and quantitative research on disability and digital citizenship, translating findings for academic and community audiences.

The Opportunity
You will contribute to the Australian Research Council Discovery Project, Disability and Digital Citizenship, which investigates the participation of people with disability in the digital age and advances new understandings of digital citizenship.

You will lead key survey and quantitative research activities, including research conceptualisation, design, data collection, analysis and interpretation. You will produce high-quality scholarly outputs and translate complex findings into reports, policy briefs, presentations and accessible public-facing resources.

You will work collaboratively with disability and consumer organisations, government, industry, research partners and community stakeholders. You will also contribute to project administration, research funding applications, teaching and learning activities, and the delivery of project milestones and outcomes.

What Success Looks Like:

• Deliver rigorous survey and quantitative research that reflects the diverse experiences of people with disability.
• Produce high-quality journal articles, book chapters, conference papers and other scholarly publications.
• Translate research findings into accessible, policy-relevant and public-facing outputs.
• Build productive relationships with disability organisations, government, industry, research partners and community stakeholders.
• Support the timely delivery of project objectives, milestones and engagement activities.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• A doctoral qualification in disability studies, communication and media studies, sociology, anthropology, political science, human geography, science and technology studies, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in survey and quantitative research methods, including research design, data collection, analysis and interpretation.
• A strong understanding of contemporary disability experiences, rights, models and systems, including their intersection with digital technology, accessibility and inclusion.
• Experience working with people with disabilities or within the disability sector.
• A record of scholarly achievement and the ability to communicate research effectively to academic, government, industry and community audiences.

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 Professor Gerard Goggin, Lead Researcher via G.Goggin@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1793W.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 20 September 2026.
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply:  Applications must be submitted via the University’s online recruitment system. To be considered please include :
         -  An updated resume;
         -  A cover letter outlining your interest in the role and your suitability for the position; and
         -  Any examples of your work you would like to share with the selection committee. 
  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.