CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Social and Behavioural Science - [Archived Advertisement]

The Opportunity

• Conduct research into the use of mass media to influence consumer perceptions and preferences for energy efficient housing
• Contribute to a better understanding of energy efficient and sustainable housing, leading to lower energy bills, better health and comfort for occupants, and reduced carbon emissions
• Join CSIRO – Australia’s leading scientific research organisation

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.

In this position you will undertake social and behavioural research, particularly focussed on the use of mass media to influence consumer perceptions and preferences for energy efficient housing and to convey energy efficiency messaging effectively to disengaged audiences. This will involve designing research programs, undertaking interviews and focus groups, developing and delivering surveys, coding and analysing responses (quantitative and qualitative analysis), writing reports, delivering presentations, and publishing peer-reviewed research papers. The successful applicant will also be responsible for some customer/stakeholder liaison, communicating the research program to non-scientists, applying for funding and grant programs, developing ethics committee applications, and following processes and procedures to ensure experimental, scientific and ethical integrity conditions are met.

Your duties will include:

• Understand and synthesise information from different disciplines pertaining to energy efficiency and its uptake by Australian households. 
• Guide the development of online and social media resources to determine the most effective use of these resources in driving the sustainable housing market, and evaluate the subsequent success in contributing to behaviour change among consumers. 
• Develop experimental and mixed method approaches (e.g. collecting both qualitative and quantitative data through surveys, focus groups, interviews, etc.) to determine the extent to which energy efficiency information has been understood by the target audience and converted to action.
• Test various types of message framing, including with different consumer groups in order to determine how to maximise impact and behaviour change across the full spectrum of property interactions (e.g. rent, buy, renovate, retrofit, sell, invest, etc.). 
• Test and track across time various terminology within the sustainability domain in order to understand how this language is resonating with various consumer groups and the potential impact of different factors (social, cultural, economic etc.) on these perceptions.

Location:  Brisbane, QLD preferred (Newcastle and Clayton may be considered)
Salary: AU$88k - AU$96k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference:   73981

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as psychology, sociology, communications or similar. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or part-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including the presentation of research outcomes at national and international conferences.
• A sound history of publication in peer reviewed journals and/or authorship of scientific papers, reports, grant applications or patents.
• A record of science innovation and creativity, including the ability and willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

Applicants must be Australian/New Zealand citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or Australian temporary residents currently residing in Australia.

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Talk to us about how this role could be flexible for you. Balance

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit diverse people and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.

About CSIRO

At CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

21 June 2021, 11:00pm AEST/AEDT