The Judith Neilson Post-Doctoral Fellow in Contemporary Art in Edinburgh
The Judith Neilson Post-Doctoral Fellow in Contemporary Art

The Judith Neilson Post-Doctoral Fellow in Contemporary Art in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 70000 - 95000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
U

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct impactful research and contribute to innovative teaching in contemporary art.
  • Company: UNSW, a leading university with a vibrant and diverse community.
  • Benefits: Generous salary, 17% superannuation, flexible work culture, and career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Join a globally recognised hub for contemporary East Asian art and make a real difference.
  • Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and strong research publication record required.
  • Other info: Inclusive environment welcoming diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 95000 £ per year.

Location: UNSW Kensington Campus, Sydney, Australia.

Employment type: Full-time.

Duration: 3 years.

Remuneration: $91,381 - $121,838 + 17% Super + Leave Loading.

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community, a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do.

Why Your Role Matters

The Judith Neilson Post-Doctoral Fellow in Contemporary Art supports the Judith Neilson Chair of Contemporary Art, established through a gift from philanthropist Judith Neilson AM. Together, the Chair and Fellow advance an internationally recognised program of research, teaching and public engagement focused on contemporary art and visual cultures of East Asia and related diasporic communities.

Under the mentorship of the Chair, the Fellow will pursue independent, high-impact research while contributing to UNSW's growing platform for global collaboration, creative scholarship, innovative teaching and learning, and cultural exchange.

About The Judith Neilson Chair Of Contemporary Art

Since 2018, the Chair and successive Fellows have established a globally recognised hub for research, teaching and public engagement in East Asian contemporary art.

  • Contemporary East Asian Visual Cultures, Societies and Politics (Palgrave Macmillan) – a peer‐reviewed book series with 12 publications since 2020
  • Five major research‐led exhibitions across Australia, Taiwan, mainland China and the UK, with upcoming shows at the SOAS Gallery, University of London
  • International collaborations with the University of Maryland, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, CAFA Beijing, Tsinghua University and the Asia Society Australia
  • A global research network featuring visiting scholars from leading Chinese universities
  • Extensive international media presence with, among others, The South China Morning Post, China Daily, ABC (Australia) and ARD (Germany)
  • 99% satisfaction rate in the UNSW course Contemporary East Asian Art: Theories and Practices (2022–2025)

Responsibilities Summary

  • Conduct research that is original, rigorous and internationally recognised for its excellence
  • Publish high‐quality research in peer‐reviewed and other scholarly contexts
  • Develop and deliver innovative research‐led teaching and learning
  • Lead or contribute to international research conferences and symposia
  • Build and sustain diverse networks and stakeholder communities through public engagement
  • Contribute to research‐led advocacy and impact activities that connect academia with the wider cultural and policy landscape
  • Pursue research grants and funding opportunities to expand program reach and impact

Skills and Experience Summary

Essential

  • PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline
  • Strong grounding in contemporary critical and cultural theory
  • Demonstrated research achievement through peer‐reviewed publication
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to achieve outcomes
  • Commitment to UNSW's values, research integrity and equity principles

Desirable

  • Evidence of research‐led impact beyond academia
  • Experience securing research funding or partnerships
  • Proficiency in an East Asian language and/or English–East Asian translation skills

Benefits and Culture

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.

Our Benefits Include

  • 17% superannuation contributions and leave loading payments
  • Generous leave entitlements, including an additional 3 paid days off over Christmas
  • Career development opportunities, including access to leadership and professional learning programmes
  • Discounts and perks across retail, travel, education and health services
  • A supportive, flexible, and inclusive culture that values wellbeing and diversity

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents online via our job portal:

  • Your CV
  • A cover letter (1–2 pages maximum). In your cover letter, please give an indication of the type of research you would wish to undertake as part of this program if successful in securing the position.
  • A separate document that addresses your suitability for the position in relation to each of the selection criteria (listed in the "Skills & Experience" section of the position description).

Applications close: 11th of February, 2026 at 11:30 pm. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

UNSW welcomes applications from international candidates. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

Get in touch: For queries regarding the recruitment process, contact Lucy Gerondis, Talent Acquisition Consultant, UNSW: l.gerondis@unsw.edu.au. Applications sent via email will not be accepted, please apply via the application portal.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

The Judith Neilson Post-Doctoral Fellow in Contemporary Art in Edinburgh employer: UNSW

UNSW is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff. As a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Contemporary Art, you will benefit from generous leave entitlements, extensive career development opportunities, and a supportive environment that fosters innovative research and collaboration with leading international institutions. Located at the picturesque Kensington Campus in Sydney, UNSW provides a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse community while contributing to impactful research in contemporary art.
U

Contact Detail:

UNSW Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land The Judith Neilson Post-Doctoral Fellow in Contemporary Art in Edinburgh

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former fellows, faculty members, or anyone connected to UNSW. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a recommendation.

Tip Number 2

Show your passion for contemporary art! When you get the chance to speak with interviewers, share your ideas and research interests. Make it clear why you're excited about this role and how you can contribute.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready for questions that dive deep into your research experience and how it aligns with UNSW's goals. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on any updates or events related to the position that could help you stand out.

We think you need these skills to ace The Judith Neilson Post-Doctoral Fellow in Contemporary Art in Edinburgh

PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline
Strong grounding in contemporary critical and cultural theory
Demonstrated research achievement through peer-reviewed publication
Excellent written communication skills
Excellent verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently
Ability to work collaboratively
Commitment to research integrity
Commitment to equity principles
Experience securing research funding
Proficiency in an East Asian language
East Asian translation skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to clearly outline the type of research you want to pursue and how it aligns with the Judith Neilson Chair's vision. Keep it concise, engaging, and tailored to the role.

Showcase Your Research Achievements: In your application, highlight your previous research accomplishments, especially any peer-reviewed publications. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and how you can contribute to UNSW's reputation for excellence.

Address the Selection Criteria: Don't skip this part! Create a separate document that directly addresses each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Use specific examples to show how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for the position.

Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we want to see your application through our job portal, not via email. It’s super easy to apply online, so make sure you submit all your documents before the deadline on 11th February 2026!

How to prepare for a job interview at UNSW

Know Your Research Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into your proposed research area. Be ready to discuss how your work aligns with the Judith Neilson Chair's focus on contemporary art and East Asian visual cultures. This shows your commitment and understanding of the role.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since excellent written and verbal communication is essential, practice articulating your ideas clearly. Prepare to discuss your previous publications and how you can contribute to innovative teaching and public engagement at UNSW.

Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit

Highlight your ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Share examples of past projects where you successfully built networks or engaged with diverse communities, as this will resonate well with UNSW's values.

Prepare for Funding Discussions

Be ready to talk about your experience with securing research funding or partnerships. Think of specific examples where you've successfully pursued grants, as this is a desirable skill for the position and shows your proactive approach.

The Judith Neilson Post-Doctoral Fellow in Contemporary Art in Edinburgh
UNSW
Location: Edinburgh

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

U
  • The Judith Neilson Post-Doctoral Fellow in Contemporary Art in Edinburgh

    Edinburgh
    Full-Time
    70000 - 95000 £ / year (est.)
  • U

    UNSW

    1000-5000
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>