Chancellors Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Indigenous Identified Role)

This is an identified position and applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Person. Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification as authorised under Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Please refer to the Guidelines for Confirmation of Identity for Indigenous Australians for the requirements of this position.
Click here to view Confirmation of Identity for Indigenous Australian Staff
Click here to view the Community Confirmation Template
Click here to view the Statutory Declaration Form

• Full-time, fixed-term position for 3 years at Academic Level B 
• Based at one of Western Sydney University’s campuses, with the home campus determined by the successful candidate’s discipline.
• Salary: $123,327 – $145,625 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Undertake impactful Indigenous-led research aligned to Western’s strategic priorities.

The Opportunity
Western Sydney University is seeking an outstanding Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellow to undertake high quality, impactful research that aligns with the University’s strategic priorities, including WESTERN 2030 and the Indigenous Strategy.

This three-year Fellowship is designed to strengthen Indigenous research leadership and support the career development of an Indigenous Early Career Researcher. The Fellow will develop and lead an independent research project within a broad discipline of their choosing. Research may align with one or more of the University’s Global Challenges, including:

• Responding to Digital Futures 
• Contributing to Fairer Societies 
• Fostering Healthy Communities 
• Supporting a Sustainable Future 
• Creating Liveable Environments 
• Leading Future Industries 

Working closely with an academic supervisor the Fellow will contribute to knowledge creation, research impact, and Indigenous researcher development across the institution.

Key Responsibilities
As the Chancellor’s Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will:

• Plan, develop, and manage a high-quality research project aligned with University priorities
• Undertake ethical data collection, analysis, and knowledge production using appropriate methodologies
• Prepare and submit ethics applications where required and ensure compliance with research governance
• Publish and disseminate research outcomes through traditional and non-traditional outputs, including community focused and translational outputs
• Support grant development and build capacity to secure internal and external research funding
• Participate in Indigenous research events and engagement activities across the University
• Contribute to Indigenous researcher and HDR development through mentoring, supervision, and academic engagement

Workload Allocation:

• 80% Research
• 10% Teaching (HDR supervision, guest lectures)
• 10% Governance and Engagement

Please refer to the Position Description and The Chancellors Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellow Brochure and Checklist for full details.

About You
You identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, as authorised under Section 14(d) of the NSW Anti‑Discrimination Act 1977.

You will also demonstrate:

• A completed PhD (or evidence of submission) in a relevant discipline
• Demonstrated research experience in higher education or an equivalent setting
• Capacity to design, manage, and deliver an independent research project
• A developing track record of quality research outputs and publications
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Beyond a rewarding career, we offer a suite of benefits designed to support your physical, financial, and family wellbeing:

• Fitness Passport: Access hundreds of gyms and pools across the state through salary-packaging options.
• Onsite Childcare: Convenient facilities with exclusive staff discounts and salary packaging options.
• Financial Benefits: Salary sacrifice options for onsite parking and novated motor vehicle leasing,
• Holistic Support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) along with discounted retail and private health cover.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Professor Susan Page, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Education via [email protected]. Please include the job reference code REF1179A in your email.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 3rd May 2026.
• Supporting Documentation: Applicants must ensure that all required supporting documentation is attached at the time of application. Required documents include:
  • Confirmation of Identity documents
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Research Project Proposal
  • Letter of Support from the Prospective Supervisor
  • Written confirmation of project funding from the relevant School Dean or Institute Director
• Full details of the documentation requirements are outlined in the The Chancellors Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellow Brochure and Checklist. Applications that do not include the required documents may not be considered.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact [email protected].

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.