Research Associate in ESG Analytics and Carbon Accounting

• Develop and implement policies procedures and systems
• Join a highly motivated and enthusiastic team
• The position is located at our City Tower Campus.

About VU:

At Victoria University our aim is to be a global leader in dual-sector learning and research by 2028. Join us on the journey and help us achieve our strategic drives embedded in ourStrategic Plan 2022-2028: Start well finish of the drivers Thriving place to Study and Work will enable us to continue to create places that our students and staff love to belong and feel immense pride.

About the role

As our Research Associate (Academic Level A) in ESG and Carbon Accounting youll help us build practical auditable ways to measure and report ESG performance and carbon emissionswork that will be used in both research outputs and real-world applications. Youll work closely with senior academics and project leaders to refine methodologies that align with emerging requirements like ASRS and Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (AASB S2) while also drawing on global frameworks (e.g. GRI TCFD ISSB). A big part of your day-to-day will be helping translate messy real operational and supply-chain data into robust Scope 1 2 and 3 carbon accountingso the outputs are transparent evidence-based and ready for assurance. The role is based at the Universitys City Tower Campus within the Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities (ISILC).

This is a full time position at an Research Officer A1 $79258 plus 17% superannuation classification working 36.75 (1.0 FTE) hours per week over a fixed-term contract period (if fixed term 30/1/2027).

About the person

• A PhD (or near completion) in a relevant area such as sustainability/ESG analytics environmental engineering sustainable supply chain management industrial engineering environmental economics or a closely related discipline.
• Experience or demonstrated capability in emissions accounting (Scope 1 2 and priority Scope 3 categories) and working with environmental/operational datasets using tools like Excel Python or R.
• You enjoy turning complex standards and frameworks into clear repeatable methodsand youre comfortable building your expertise as standards evolve.
• Youre motivated by the challenge of Scope 3 data (fragmented inputs uncertainty supplier data gaps) and you can work carefully and methodically to improve quality and defensibility.
• You can balance academic rigour (publishable methods defensible assumptions) with applied usability (partner timelines practical reporting outputs).
• Curious and detail-oriented: you care about provenance assumptions and creating evidence trails that stand up to scrutiny.
• Collaborative: you work well with academics technical teams (including data/AI contributors) and external partners.
• Clear communicator: you can explain methodological choices to both technical and non-technical audiences through strong writing and practical documentation.
• The opportunity to work on ESG and carbon reporting methods aligned with new and emerging reporting expectations (ASRS and AASB S2) while also using widely adopted global frameworks.
• A role where your work can genuinely influence industry adoption policy discussion and Net Zero progress not just sit on a shelf.
• The chance to contribute to both applied outputs (dashboards methodologies documentation) and scholarly outputs (reports case studies conference/journal publications)

Duties

• Support the design and refinement of ESG and carbon-accounting methodologies for the Smart Inventory Solution aligned with ASRS AASB S2 and relevant international frameworks.

• Help calculate and validate Scope 1 Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions metrics (including purchased goods/services supplier emissions waste and transport) using accepted standards and guidance.

• Compile and maintain emissions factors and reference datasets documenting provenance assumptions and evidence trails to meet assurance and regulatory expectations.

• Assist in developing and testing quantitative models and analytical workflows that convert operational/inventory data into auditable ESG indicators and partner-ready outputs (e.g. dashboards).

• Work with senior researchers and technical teams to specify and implement calculation logic validation rules and exception handling including integration of B Impact Assessment and UN SDG Action Manager mappings where relevant.

• Monitor and summarise developments in ESG and climate disclosure regulation and contribute to documentation reporting publications and partner engagement activities (workshops/meetings) under supervision

How to apply

For a position description and to view the selection criteria please click here: Position Description - Research Associate in ESG Analytics and Carbon Accounting

Applications must include:

• A cover letter
• Your curriculum vitae/resume
• Evidence of applicable qualifications licences and registrations
• A document containing your responses to the Key Selection Criteria.

For further information relating to the position please contact Omid Ameri Sianaki Senior Lecturer in Information Systems Management by email at

The University is a Child Safe organisation. You will be required to hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) or be willing to obtain one prior to commencing employment.

Applications close: Monday the 2nd of February 2026 (11:59pm AEDT)

Why Join VU

VU provides competitive salaries excellent superannuation and a variety of benefits. The university fosters an environment where staff can excel achieve their goals and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity inclusion and family-friendly policies VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information please visit ourCareers at VU Webpage

Our Commitment to Protecting Country

Victoria University honours its deep diversity as a foundation for collaboration and social progress. We will demonstrate sensitivity in respecting First Nation perspectives. We will ensure that we respect our Indigenous voices and commit to sustainable Protecting Country. We will take leadership responsibility in all that we do to improve the health and wellbeing of our local and global communities and the planet that we share.

Our Commitment to Progressive Inclusivity

VU is an equal opportunity employer and proudly committed to progressive inclusivity. We welcome and celebrate diversity in all its forms including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples people with disability culturally and racially marginalised communities LGBTQIA individuals and people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. We strive to reflect the communities we serve and foster an inclusive respectful and supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. We are proud to be aWGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.

Our Commitment to Inclusive Recruitment

VU is committed to providing a positive and barrier-free recruitment experience. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process including accessible formats of documents please contact us ator call (03).