Job Reference Number: 13045
About The Curtin Institute for Energy Transition (CIET)
CIET brings together multidisciplinary experts including biologists and geologists, engineers and physicists, and philosophers and social scientists to learn from each other and look at energy in a nuanced and innovative manner. CIET aims to be a thought leader on climate and energy technologies as they relate to energy transition.
We use scientific information to engage stakeholders about the agreements required to systematically lift the level of societal debate around what a just transition entails and provide a suite of technologies and tools to facilitate energy transitions in practice.
We’re facilitating world-leading multidisciplinary research to accelerate a sustainable, equitable and innovative energy transition. To realise and sustain a new energy future, we must also train the next generation of problem solvers and educate the community about their role in the energy transition. You can visit the CIET webpage here to learn more about the institute.
Your new role
We are seeking an experienced Social Scientist, with related disciplinary experience to join our team at the Curtin Institute for Energy Transition (CIET). We are looking for an individual who likes to design, manage, and undertake research projects to investigate social issues to inform policy and other industry stakeholders. The ideal candidate has a passion for energy transition, climate change, and community engagement. This role will have responsibility for managing a variety of projects working across industry, government, and the non-profit successful candidate will work closely with the Director to develop grant proposals, engage with stakeholders, supervise research staff and students, and contribute to cutting-edge research.
The Curtin Institute for Energy Transition (CIET) offers an exciting opportunity to work on one of the world's most pressing challenges - the transition to clean energy. You will be part of an innovative and fun team environment with mentorship opportunities from experienced researchers. This role allows you to develop new skills, influence the research agenda, and engage with national and international researchers and stakeholders.
As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role.
Why Choose Curtin?
We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, and endless food options including a supermarket.
We encourage a progressive and diverse workplace, offering generous superannuation and salary packaging benefits. We are committed to looking after our employees by promoting health and wellbeing, and personal development opportunities.
For more information about our university, please visit
1. Global Excellence: Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2023 rankings.
2. Rewards Beyond Salary: Enjoy the perks of a generous superannuation contribution (17%) with cash out options*, locality allowance, customisable salary packaging benefits through Paywise; as well as Hotel and Health Insurance discounts.
3. Time Well-Spent: Experience the added value of Leave Loading, with the option to be paid out or taken as additional leave. Benefit from Parental Leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver), Annual Leave (20 days), Personal Leave (14 days), Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Leave (5 days), Travel Leave (2 days), Study Leave, and Community Service Leave. Plus 18% more observed days off - enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday!), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA and
4. Recognition for Prior Service: Curtin recognises prior service for long service leave purposes. New Curtin employees may be* eligible if they have worked for an Australian University, public service or other recognised institution.
Join us!
Please provide a cover letter, your CV, and a separate document addressing the selection criteria (noted below) to allow us to assess your suitability for this role.
To view a copy of the Position Description, please copy and paste the following link into your web browser:
Selection Criteria
5. A doctoral qualification in relevant discipline (or equivalent track record of outstanding research)
6. Experience in applying a range of mixed method research techniques to gather relevant information including document analysis, surveys, case studies and interviews.
7. Knowledge of a range of relevant qualitative and quantitative analytical packages and techniques
8. An ability to provide input into preparation of tenders for new research projects or respond to applicable research grant rounds
9. An emerging record of success in winning external research grants
10. A track record of peer reviewed publications in high quality journals.
11. An ability to prepare, present and disseminate results in the form of reports, briefings, research papers and presentations for diverse audiences
12. Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to lead research projects and provide mentoring to less experienced staff.
13. Demonstrated high level communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to foster the development of a collegial and supportive working environment and the ability to interact with students, staff and external stakeholders with cross cultural sensitivity.
14. Demonstrated commitment to applying relevant and applicable policies, procedures and legislation in the day-to-day performance of the functions of this position.