AFWI Research or Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Climate-Smart Forestry Indigenous Australian Theme lead
University of MelbourneRole type: Full Time (1.0 FTE); Fixed Term for 4 years
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/ School: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences
Salary: Level of appointment is subject to qualification and experience
Level B: $124,656 - $148,023 p.a plus 17% super
Level C: $149,701 - $172,613 p.a. plus 17% super
Only Indigenous Australians are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the Special Measure Provision, Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2011 (Vic).
The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, and the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.
Your new team – Centre for Climate-Smart forestry
The Centre for Climate-Smart Forestry (CCSF) is a national research centre bringing together industry, researchers, government and Traditional Owners to tackle some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing Australia’s forest and wood products sector. Hosted by the University of Melbourne, CCSF is focused on practical, collaborative research that supports climate resilience, innovation and real-world impact.
School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences
The School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences (SAFES) brings together diverse discipline strengths to lead the development of new interdisciplinary and high-impact solutions for global challenges relating to climate change, food security, biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, invasive species, and environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural practices.
Science at Melbourne is a global leader across discovery and applied scientific research and education. Science begins with curiosity, and we are dedicated to understanding the universe from the level of sub-atomic particles to the solar system. We aim to be leaders who positively impact the community locally and globally, addressing major societal issues from climate change to disease. Our discoveries help build an understanding of the world around us.
Your next career opportunity
You will lead the Indigenous Australians and Forests cross-cutting theme within the Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI)-funded Centre for Climate-Smart Forestry, designing and delivering a coordinated research programme that embeds Indigenous knowledge and values across Centre activities. You will gain opportunities to build enduring partnerships with Traditional Owner groups, secure co-funding, publish high-impact research and mentor the next generation of Indigenous researchers.
You will:
Lead Research Design and Delivery: Develop and implement the Indigenous Australians and Forests theme, aligning activities with CCSF and AFWI priorities and producing high quality scholarly outputs.
Build Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement: Forge and sustain respectful relationships with Traditional Owner groups, industry and government to enable co-design and knowledge exchange.
Grow and Nurture Capacity: Create pathways and training for Indigenous participation in research and provide supervision and mentorship for HDR students and early-career research staff.
Provide Research Leadership: Lead co-funded and co-designed proposal development, and contribute to CCSF outreach and sector engagement.
Contribute to Centre Governance: Actively participate in CCSF planning, seminars, and committees to promote inclusion and the Two Worlds framework across the CCSF.
You may be a great fit if:
You hold a PhD in Forest Science, Environmental Science, or a related discipline
You possess a strong publication record and experience delivering research that impacts policy or practice.
You have proven experience building respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe, Two Worlds approaches.
You are skilled in designing grant proposals and managing funded projects.
You are collaborative, ethically grounded, and committed to inclusive research practice.
You have proven experience working with Indigenous communities.
For further information please refer to the attached PD.
The University of Melbourne
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.
Support for Indigenous staff
Cultural leave: Indigenous staff members are entitled to up to five days non-cumulative paid leave per calendar year for the purpose of attending NAIDOC, community, cultural and ceremonial activities.
University policies: Indigenous staff are supported by the Indigenous Employment Plan 2023 - 2027 and university's broader strategy under Murmuk Djerring. Our Indigenous Strategies align with our commitment to supporting and imbedding Indigenous initiatives across University of Melbourne
Indigenous Staff Network: Employees who have identified themselves as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander will have access to the Indigenous Staff Network (ISN)
Cultural events: The University hosts annual cultural events such as the Wominjeka to begin the Academic Year and the Narrm Oration, and recognises significant times throughout the year such as, Reconciliation Week, Mabo Day and NAIDOC Week.
Employee Assistance Program: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Line available free for you and your immediate family members.
'Indigenous' here means a person of Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander descent.
What we offer you!
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:
Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program
Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.
We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.
Application essentials:
Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
Please upload your responses to the following Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description:
1. Demonstrated experience engaging with relevant professional and industry bodies and stakeholders to foster collaborative research partnerships, identify opportunities for collaboration, and attract funding or grants.
2. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with key collaborators including industry, community, policy makers, government, and academic peer to communicate, motivate, and negotiate effectively to achieve shared objectives.
3. Proven experience of working in partnership with Indigenous communities to undertake research collaborations, including in protecting and ensuring their IP rights.
4. Excellent ability to work co-operatively and positively in a multi-disciplinary research-based environment and liaise with people from diverse backgrounds
Want to know more?
For queries related to this specific position, contact Prof. Patrick Baker at patrick.baker@unimelb.edu.au
For questions related to our recruitment process email Oliver Bukasa at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au
For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').
Apply today and join a community that’s shaping the future.
Applications close: 3 May 2026, 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.
Position Description: