Call for Applications
Postdoctoral Research Fellow: ‘Disability in the Metaverse’ Project
University of Sydney – Camperdown Campus
Australia
https://usyd.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/USYD_EXTERNAL_CAREER_SITE/details/Postdoctoral-Research-Fellow_0101146-1
Deadline for applications: February 19, 2023
Key Points:
- Full-time, fixed-term position for 12 months
- Exciting opportunity to contribute to an innovative interdisciplinary program of research into Disability in the Metaverse
- Academic Level A, Base Salary $79,784 – $107,516 per annum (candidates with completed PhD will commence at $100,717) + 17% superannuation
- Role is 20% teaching (can be undertaken at 0.8FTE without teaching component) and open to remote. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, sorry.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Applications are invited for the position of Level A Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Metaverse Studies) in the Digital Cultures Research Group within the Department of Media and Communication. The Research Fellow will work directly with Professor Gerard Goggin, Associate Professor Marcus Carter, and other team members, as well as industry partners including the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network and Meta Australia on an exciting program of research into the implications of emerging ‘Metaverse’ technologies for people with disabilities.
PROJECT SUMMARY
This research is funded under the ‘Disability in the Metaverse’ grant, funded by Meta (2022), which aims to identify the immediate and long-term policy issues, challenges, and opportunities for disabled users in the metaverse, and how metaverse developers and platforms can ensure an inclusive and equitable digital future. The project involves close collaboration with industry partners and the successful candidate will work with a leading team of researchers including Professor Gerard Goggin (USYD), Associate Professor Marcus Carter (USYD), Dr Ben Egliston (QUT), Dr Kuansong Victor Zhaung (NTU/Princeton), Professor Katie Ellis (Curtin) and Dr Wayne Hawkins (ACCAN).
The study incorporates three integrated studies. The first study will examine how people with disabilities in Australia & Singapore are experiencing Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies currently on the market, through qualitative interviews with people with disabilities, and an online survey. The second study will interrogate how VR & AR designers in Australia & Singapore understand and approach designing for people with disabilities, through qualitative interviews with developers in small to medium digital enterprises in the metaverse ecology. The third study involves a systematic regional and global review of national policies, accessible design frameworks, industry policies and inclusion initiatives developed for the internet, mobiles, gaming and social media in the context of their application to VR.
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will lead aspects of data collection and analysis, and work with the research team in the design and preparation of articles for peer review.
This 1.0FTE role is (or has the option for) 80% Research, 20% Teaching. The Research Fellow will be expected to teach into the digital cultures program at either undergraduate or postgraduate level (into the Master of Digital Communication and Culture), with opportunities for unit coordination subject to availability and concordant with the successful candidate’s prior experience with teaching. Candidates interested in undertaking the role in remote without the teaching component are invited to apply, although only Australia-based candidates are eligible.
People with disabilities strongly encouraged to apply.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
- undertake qualitative interviews with VR/AR developers and people with disabilities
- lead qualitative data analysis and develop project findings for a range of audiences
- lead and contribute to co-authored journal articles with members of the broader team for submission
- assist with collaborative events/workshops/symposia
- take responsibility, under supervision, for the day-to-day logistics of carrying out a large collaborative research program
- work with research assistants to develop ethics submissions and amendments, and ensuring that all aspects of ethics-related protocols and report requirements are fulfilled
ABOUT YOU
- an emerging research profile evidenced by high-quality peer reviewed research in areas such as disability studies, media studies and related disciplines
- a demonstrated capacity for working with qualitative data, managing and disseminating findings from a research project
- demonstrated project management experience and experience writing Ethics Committee applications, research protocols and conducting literature reviews
- demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, capacity to succeed in a fast-paced research-intensive environment, and sound w
- written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills suitable to collaborating in an academic context.
DESIRABLE
- a PhD in a related field
- demonstrated capacity for working with people with disabilities
- experience teaching in a higher education context.
To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.
SPONSORSHIP / WORK RIGHTS FOR AUSTRALIA
Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT CHECKS
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.
EEO STATEMENT
At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page [at https://usyd.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/USYD_EXTERNAL_CAREER_SITE/details/Postdoctoral-Research-Fellow_0101146-1]
The cover letter should identify relevant experience against the above “About You” section.
For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.
For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Paulina Rojas (Mon-Wed) and Nicole Feain (Thurs-Fri), Recruitment Operations at recruitment.ablc@sydney.edu.au
Click to view the Position Description for this role.