The Judith Neilson Post-Doctoral Fellow in Contemporary Art

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

Location: UNSW Kensington Campus

Employment Type: Full-Time

Duration: 3 Years

This job is based in Australia.

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. We’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

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. Highlights include:

• 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)
• A 99% satisfaction rate in the UNSW course Contemporary East Asian Art: Theories and Practices (2022–2025)

Responsibilities

• 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

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 programs.
• 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 page 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: 11 February 2026 at 11:30 pm. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW. UNSW welcomes applications from international candidates that are willing to relocate to Australia and can provide visa sponsorship for the right candidate, subject to merit-based selection.

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.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. 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. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.