Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Climate Resilience and Adaptation Modelling

Role type: Part-time (0.8 FTE); Fixed term, 21 months
Faculty: Business and Economics
Department/ School:  Centre for Actuarial Studies, Department of Economics
Salary: Level B - $124,656 - $148,023 p.a. plus 17% super 

• Transform climate risk understanding through quantitative modelling / collaborate in a global interdisciplinary lab / publish impactful research with industry partners
• Apply now to deliver climate resilience models that shape adaptation finance and community protection.
• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities. 

The University of Melbourne 
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity 
You will lead quantitative modelling of climate hazards and losses within the innovative BRACE research laboratory.
You will help design, develop and price adaptation and resilience instruments for catastrophe perils.
You will gain rich interdisciplinary experience, working closely with academics, industry partners and funding bodies.

What you will deliver: 

• Collaborate across BRACE work packages to develop and apply quantitative models of climate hazards and losses.
• Contribute to designing, developing and pricing adaptation and resilience instruments for key catastrophe perils.
• Lead high-quality research outputs and support competitive grant and industry funding applications across BRACE.
• Co-supervise Honours, Masters and PhD students while fostering a rigorous, supportive research training environment.
• Coordinate BRACE laboratory operations, including website content, communications, workshops and Industry Advisory Board activities.

You may be a great fit if you: 

• Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline, or have all requirements completed by the commencement date.
• Demonstrate high-quality research through working papers, submissions or publications in refereed international journals.
• Communicate complex quantitative and climate concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences in multiple formats.
• Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Bring knowledge or experience in resilience, adaptation, climate modelling or related catastrophe risk areas.
• Engage confidently with industry, government or other organisations to translate research into practical applications.

For further information please refer to the attached PD. 

What we offer you! 
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including: 

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being 
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave, cultural leave, and menstruation and menopause leave.

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company 

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program 

For more information check out our benefits page! 

Your new team – Centre for Actuarial Studies
You will join the Centre for Actuarial Studies within the Department of Economics.
This Centre sits in the Faculty of Business and Economics and is recognised internationally for actuarial excellence.
As part of the BRACE laboratory, you will work with leading academics and industry partners on catastrophe resilience.
The team values rigorous research, real-world impact and collaboration, offering strong support and development opportunities.

Be Yourself 
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants 
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
  
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [email protected].

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
• You must have current valid work rights for Australia that are valid for the duration of this appointment. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description. Learn more about responding to Selection Criteria

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Prof. Benjamin Avanzi at [email protected]
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Nick Petersen at [email protected]
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Applications close: Sunday 15 November 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone. 

Position Description: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Climate Resilience and Adaption Modelling_PD.docx