• Full -time, Fixed term position until 31 July 2026
• Based at Hawkesbury Campus

About Western Sydney University
Western Sydney University is a modern, forward-thinking, research-led institution at the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing and most economically significant region. With 11 campuses across Sydney and international locations in Vietnam and Indonesia—plus planned expansion in India—it serves nearly 50,000 students, 3,500 staff, and a global network of over 200,000 alumni. Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, over 85% of its assessed research is rated ‘World Standard’ or above. The University is ranked #1 globally and nationally in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings (2022-2025) for its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The Opportunity
Help Transform Groundwater Management from the Ground Up.
Join a pioneering team at Western Sydney University working on MARVI – one of India’s most innovative community-led groundwater initiatives. We are seeking a motivated Research Fellow with expertise in groundwater data analysis and a passion for participatory approaches to water governance.
In this role, you will analyse groundwater and socio-economic datasets from field sites, contribute to the analysis of groundwater data and the development of a live dashboard and analytics linked to the MyWell app, and publish impactful research for academic, policy, and community audiences. You will be part of a unique transdisciplinary team working at the interface of science, community engagement, and sustainability.
A sound knowledge of groundwater systems and a strong publication record are essential.

Experience working in South Asia or other developing contexts will be highly regarded.
About You
The successful candidate will have a PhD (or be near completion) in groundwater hydrology, water resources management, or a closely related field, with a demonstrated ability to analyse groundwater data using advanced quantitative tools, track record including publishing impactful groundwater research in peer-reviewed journals and independently leading research components within groundwater-focused projects. You possess strong scientific writing, data visualisation, and communication skills, and thrive in transdisciplinary and cross-cultural team environments, proficient with statistical software, GIS tools, or data dashboards is essential. Ideally, you will also bring experience with participatory groundwater initiatives such as the MARVI project, have worked in developing country contexts particularly South Asia and be knowledgeable in aquifer recharge and community-based water management. Experience engaging stakeholders in rural water governance will be highly regarded.

Applicants should be aware that this role will be based at Hawkesbury campus, however as Western Sydney University is a multi-campus university travel to other campuses may be required when operational needs arise.

Why Join us?
Western Sydney University highly values equity and inclusiveness and strives to contribute to tackling inequalities and promoting wellbeing within our own institution. If you share our passion for creating a more equitable and inclusive world, and if you are ready to contribute to meaningful change, join us in our mission to promote equity, inclusiveness, and wellbeing.

If this sounds like an opportunity for you, we want to hear from you! Apply now ensuring you carefully address each of the screening questions in your application. Please review the position description for further informationthrough the apply link.

Remuneration Package: Academic Level A $112,718 to $136,180 p.a. (comprising Salary of $95,248 to $115,074 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading)

Position Enquiries: Please contact Basant Maheshwari, Distinguished Professor via email at [email protected]

Recruitment Enquiries: Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected]

Closing Date: 8:30 pm on Sunday 24 August 2025

Immigration Sponsorship
Employer Visa sponsorship will be provided if required

Note - Only those applications submitted via the WSU online recruitment system will be accepted.