The Judith Neilson Post-Doctoral Fellow in Contemporary Art
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.
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