About the Role
The Discipline of Geography and Planning, within the School of Communication, Society and Culture, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an Australian Research Council funded project led by Professor Kristian Ruming, titled "Student housing in (a time of) crisis: interrogating student housing supply".
In the context of a housing crisis and new university funding policies, this project aims to critically analyse the current and future delivery of purpose-built student housing. By mapping funding, development and management activity at a national level and undertaking case studies, the project aims to generate theoretical and applied knowledge about the objectives of university and private providers, as well as the opportunities and challenges for future supply. Anticipated outcomes include an understanding of how the emergent policy context will shape student housing delivery and trace the potential for new models. This will bring benefits to housing and education policy via recommendations about student housing delivery and governance.
About Us
The Discipline of Geography and Planning is a leading center of geographical and planning research. Our work is theoretically innovative and has made important contributions to global debates in geography and urban planning scholarship, while remaining equally dedicated to addressing real-world problems and working towards a more just and sustainable future.
You will also work closely with the Macquarie University Housing and Urban Research Centre, a dynamic, interdisciplinary hub established within the Faculty of Arts to tackle some of the most urgent and complex challenges facing cities in Australia and globally. Research programs led by center members span housing supply and affordability, urban climate adaptation, planning reform, economic development, urban regeneration, social and affordable housing policy, housing finance, and public engagement and activism.
About You
You will hold a PhD, or be nearing completion of a PhD, in geography, urban planning or cognate discipline. You will have experience as an Early Career Researcher who is able to work both in a team and independently and engage with stakeholders ranging from PhD candidates to senior academics and practitioners in a multi-disciplinary context.
If you are an excellent communicator with a proactive nature, flexible, able to work in teams and have excellent interpersonal, organisational and time management skills, then this is a role you will thrive in.
Essential Selection Criteria
A PhD in geography, urban planning, or a cognate discipline (awarded or near completion),
Demonstrated ability to undertake theoretical or conceptual research related to housing, planning, and/or urban governance,
Demonstrated success in publishing research in high-impact international journals,
Strong oral and written communication skills, and
High-level organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise workload, meet deadlines, and prepare milestone reports.
Desirable Selection Criteria
Demonstrated contribution to the preparation of research grant applications.
Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative methods used in geography and planning research.
Experience in delivering outcomes for large, complex, externally funded projects.
How to Apply
To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).
Submission of Applications Open Until: Thursday 9 April 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (AEDT)
*** We welcome applications from international applicants.
**We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date. We also reserve the right to close the advertisement early, if a sufficient number of qualified applicants is received.
For enquiries about the role, please contact Professor Kristian Ruming at kristian.ruming@mq.edu.au
For recruitment enquiries, please contact Mirna Alaaiddin at mirna.alaaiddin@mq.edu.au
Why Join Us?
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation in 1964, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Take a look at the fabulous staff benefits on offer when you work at Macquarie University.
Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
17% Superannuation
Subsidised onsite parking options
Extensive training and professional development programs
Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
Onsite vacation care during school holidays
Discounted health insurance
Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics
Pre-Employment Checks
Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
09/04/2026 11:59 PM
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Flexible Work
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