Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Quantitative Analysis of Economic Impacts of Ultra-Processed Foods

• Full time, fixed term for 12 months (with the possibility of extension), located on the Camperdown Campus   

• Opportunity to advance impactful research that influences global food and health policy

• Base Salary Academic Level A $117,936 - $125,896 + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

The School of Life and Environmental Sciences is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Quantitative Analysis of Economic Impacts of Ultra-Processed Foods to lead quantitative research on the economic impacts of ultra-processed foods, managing and analyzing large, complex datasets to generate robust, policy‑relevant insights that advance the University’s research agenda.

In this role, you will work closely with Professor David Raubenheimer and Professor Manfred Lenzen from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Science.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• on the assigned topic conduct original research independently or as part of a team, focusing on quantitative analysis of economic impacts of ultra processed foods;

• bring and maintain a research profile including (as appropriate) publication of book chapters/ peer-reviewed journal articles, producing conference/ seminar papers either independently or as part of a team (within the University or externally);

• maintain quality, standards and excellence in research activities and output;

• contribute to a positive workplace culture in which diversity of thought, contribution, collaboration, excellence and achieving outcomes are valued and enabled;

• understand and contribute to furthering the university and faculty/school strategic agenda;

• contribute expertise and knowledge through communication with industry, forums of public debate, organisation of public events, seminars, and conferences;

• undertake other duties and contribute to projects appropriate within the classification level as required.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Quantitative Analysis of Economic Impacts of Ultra-Processed Foods who has:

• PhD in Economics, Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science, Environmental Science (with a quantitative focus) or related fields;

• strong experience in large-scale data processing and management, including working with high-dimensional, multi-country or time-series datasets;

• sound programming skills, with a strong preference for MATLAB; experience in other scientific programming languages (e.g. Python, R) is also valued;

• familiarity with international macroeconomic and trade data sources, such as UN Comtrade, UN Official Country National Accounts, or comparable global statistical databases, including data cleaning, harmonisation, and interpretation;

• a demonstrated ability to work independently on technically demanding data tasks, with attention to reproducibility, documentation, and analytical robustness;

• proven experience supervising and mentoring others.

Desirable (but not essential):

• Prior experience or demonstrated interest in economic input–output analysis, including multi-regional input–output (MRIO) frameworks or supply-chain modelling.

• Prior experience in research associated with food

Please note that only candidates who clearly meet the required skills and experience should apply, as applications from unsuitable candidates will not be considered for this vacancy.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Rebecca Astar or Cherie Goodwin, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]

For specific enquiries about the position, please contact Professor David Raubenheimer [email protected] and Professor Manfred Lenzen [email protected]

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Tuesday 25 August 2026 11:59 PM