Research Fellow – Data Analytics and Participatory Groundwater Management (MARVI)

• Full-time, Fixed-Term Position for 12 months
• $112,718 to $136,180 p.a. Inclusive of Superannuation + Leave Loading
•  Based at Hawkesbury Campus 

The Opportunity 
We’re looking for Research Fellow specialising in working across data analytics, digital systems, and groundwater or environmental management to support the next phase of the MARVI project (Managing Aquifer Recharge and Sustaining Groundwater Use through Village-level Intervention). You will help drive the next phase of community-led groundwater management by applying cutting edge data analytics, digital systems, and innovative tools, including emerging technologies such as AI.

You’ll join a unique transdisciplinary team working on one of India’s most innovative community‑led groundwater initiatives, developing tools that transform historical and real-time datasets, collected by Bhujal Jaankaars (local citizen scientists), into actionable insights for communities and policy agencies.

As the Research Fellow, you will:

• Develop, test and refine dashboards and digital analytics connected to the MyWell app
• Analyse groundwater and socio-economic datasets from MARVI field sites
• Support the development of a live MARVI dashboard
• Produce high-quality research outputs for academic, policy and community audiences
• Collaborate with Bhujal Jaankaars (local citizen scientists) and partners in India and Australia

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 12 months based at Western’s Hawkesbury Campus, although travel to other campuses of the University may be required.

For further information, please refer to the Position Description linked here: Research Fellow – Data Analytics and Participatory Groundwater Management (MARVI).

Who We’re Looking For
You are a motivated researcher or analyst with demonstrated capability in data analytics, visualisation, and digital tool development, ideally within natural resource or groundwater management contexts. You thrive at the intersection of science, community engagement, and sustainability.

You will bring:

• A postgraduate qualification in Data Analytics, Digital Technologies, Groundwater Hydrology, Water Resources Management, or a related field
• Experience developing dashboards, apps, and digital systems for natural resource data.
• Proficiency with statistical software, GIS, and advanced quantitative analysis
• A demonstrated ability to contribute to peer‑reviewed publications or high-quality applied outputs
• The ability to work effectively in cross-cultural, transdisciplinary teams

Highly regarded:

• Experience contributing to the development, refinement, or deployment of digital platforms or decision-support tools used by real users
• Experience working on the MARVI project or similar participatory initiatives
• Experience working in developing country contexts, particularly in South Asia
• Knowledge of aquifer recharge, community‑based water management, and the ability to engage stakeholders in rural settings.

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 supports more sustainable and equitable futures.

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: 11:5pm, Sunday 8 February 2026

Immigration Sponsorship 
Employer Visa sponsorship will be provided if required

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