Jobs and Careers

• Make significant and meaningful contributions to the team’s research projects
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of productive and collaborative partnerships
• Full-time, fixed term (20 months) position based in Hobart

About the opportunity

The Research Fellow will be responsible for investigating archival sources for records of occurrences of natural hazard events. They will create systematic database of these events, cross-referencing across archival sources where possible, and providing input into the development of a methodology to translate qualitative into quantitative information.

The position is located within the School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences and will contribute toward the University’s mission through helping to build sustainable and resilient communities by improving our understanding of natural hazard risk over longer time frames and using more data sources than currently done.

The Research Fellow will have at least an Honours degree associated with archive research and have a basic understanding of the three hazard types (earthquake, storm surge and cyclone) with a demonstrated capacity to quickly acquire new skills and knowledge. They will have strong interpersonal skills and be able to work both independently and as part of a team.

What you’ll do:

• Make fundamental and valuable contributions to the team project that allow for better informed decision making and planning in relation to natural hazards.
• Make an effective and sustained contribution to the University in achieving its strategic objectives and fulfilling its operational responsibilities.
• Undertake high-quality research/scholarly activities under limited supervision either independently or as a member of a team, publish research findings as sole author or in collaboration, in order to meet and regularly exceed the University’s research performance expectations for Level A.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of productive and effective links inside the University and locally and nationally with the discipline, relevant interdisciplinary domains, profession, industry and/or wider community
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

What we’re looking for:

• A demonstrated ability and understanding of research in the field of historical and archival research, demonstrated by a strong academic record.
• A record of contributing to building and maintaining effective and productive networks with the discipline, profession, industry (where relevant) and wider community.
• Demonstrated understanding of natural hazards and their impacts.
• A four-year tertiary qualification in a relevant field and/or equivalent qualifications and/or professional experience.
• A Class C Driver’s licence

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at Academic Level A and will have a total remuneration package of up to $125,877 comprising base salary within the range of $83,198 to $107,587 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience.  You do not need to separately address the success criteria.
• For further information about this position, please contact Kathy Allen, ARC Future Fellow, kathryn.allen@utas.edu.au or 03 6226 1792.
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• For current UTAS staff, in submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 501684 - Research Fellow in Natural Hazards.pdf

Applications close Wednesday, 26 November 2025, 11.55pm

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.