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Designer in Residence

UNSW


Job Location:

Sydney - Canada

Monthly Salary: $ 88717 - 100386
Posted: 30 May 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 27 August 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy
The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

Job Summary

  • Employment Type: Part-time (7 hours per week)
  • Duration: 1 year
  • Remuneration: Level 5 $88717 - $% superannuation leave loading (pro rata)
  • Location: UNSW Kensington Campus


About UNSW:
UNSW isnt like other places youve worked. Yes were a large organisation with a diverse and talented community a community doing extraordinary things. Together we are driven to be thoughtful practical and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. If you want a career where you can thrive be challenged and do meaningful work youre in the right place.

Why Your Role Matters:
The Designer in Residence program at UNSWs Esme Timbery Creative Practice Lab supports early-career theatre and performance designers by providing access to studio space and design projects in a collaborative educational environment.

The Designer in Residence will work with UNSW staff and students to create set and costume designs for theatre performance and music productions while introducing students to innovative industry practices. The role also contributes to high-level public-facing outcomes across theatre and performance music and potentially screen production courses.

Access to the Creative Practice Lab design studio and workshop space will support the successful candidate in developing their creative practice while modelling industry best practice and standards for students.

The role reports to the School Manager and works closely with the Creative Practice Lab Production Manager and Production Assistant Course Convenors and Production Director. The position has no direct reports.

Responsibilities Summary:

  • Engage in individual and collaborative design practice across theatre performance and/or music production.
  • Develop set and costume designs for theatre performance music and screen practice-based subjects that produce public-facing outcomes.
  • Apply sustainable design principles including sourcing maintenance and return considerations.
  • Provide advice and guidance on design in student productions while modelling professional industry practice.
  • Contribute to pedagogical approaches to design dramaturgy and learning.
  • Solve creative and technical design challenges while working within budget constraints.
  • Develop innovative and practical solutions to design briefs and production requirements.
  • Prepare an annual report and School presentation highlighting the outcomes successes and challenges of the residency program.

For more information regarding the responsibilities for this role please refer to the Position Description at

Skills and Experience Summary:

  • Relevant qualifications and/or professional experience in theatre performance music or production design.
  • Demonstrated experience in set and/or costume design for live performance or related creative practice.
  • Knowledge of professional theatre and performance industry practices and production processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with creative teams students and stakeholders.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to deliver creative outcomes within budget parameters.
  • Evidence of highly developed interpersonal organisational and communication skills.
  • Ability to contribute positively to student learning and support emerging creative practitioners.

Benefits and Culture:People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:

    • Career development opportunities
    • 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
    • Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
    • Discounts and entitlements (retail education fitness)

How to Apply:Submit your CV along with a cover letter addressing your suitability for the role via the application portal before 9am on the 3rdof June.

A copy of the Position Description can be found on


Get in Touch:For queries about the role please contact the Head of School Michael Balfour:

For queries regarding the recruitment process contact Lucy Gerondis Talent Acquisition Consultant UNSW:
*Applications sent via email will not be accepted please apply via the application portal.

Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSWs focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety ethical conduct and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:-

  • National and International Criminal history checks
  • Entitlement to work and ID checks
  • Working With Children Checks
  • Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
  • Verification of relevant qualifications
  • Verification of relevant professional membership
  • Employment history and reference checks
  • Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
  • Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender sexual orientation cultural and linguistic backgrounds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

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


Required Experience:

IC