Indigenous Student (PhD) Pathways Support Officer

Role type: Full-time; Continuing  
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences 
Department/School: Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health 
Salary: UOM 6 - $98,870.00 - 107,023.00 p.a. plus 17% super 

• Empower Indigenous health leadership / Support PhD student success / Contribute to impactful research 
• Apply now to nurture Indigenous PhD talent and shape the future of health research 
• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities. 

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, 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. 

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 and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.    

Your next career opportunity 
As the Student Pathways Support Officer at the Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, you'll play a crucial role in supporting Indigenous PhD students throughout their academic journey. You'll have the opportunity to foster the next generation of Indigenous health leaders, contribute to groundbreaking research, and build strong relationships within a collaborative, values-driven environment. Your work will directly impact the success of Indigenous students and contribute to the Centre's vision of accelerating Indigenous leadership in health. 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Support Student Success: Deliver initiatives like the PhD Familiarisation Program and Academic Shepherding processes, providing culturally informed guidance to prospective and current Indigenous PhD students. 
• Lead Recruitment and Outreach: Spearhead efforts to maintain a strong pipeline of Indigenous PhD students, including organising recruitment activities at key events and conferences. 
• Manage Student Pathways: Coordinate with the Faculty Graduate Research team on enrolments, scholarships, and candidature management for Indigenous PhD students. 
• Contribute to Strategic Initiatives: Support the delivery of workshops and conferences, while also advising other University faculties on Indigenous graduate research student recruitment and support. 

You may be a great fit if: 

You are a dedicated professional with a graduate qualification and relevant experience, possessing strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a passion for supporting Indigenous student success in a dynamic academic environment. 

You may also: 

• Have a graduate qualification in a relevant field or equivalent combination of experience and education. 
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of and respect for diverse Indigenous cultural practices and knowledge systems. 
• Possess experience in planning and delivering initiatives that support Indigenous graduate research students. 
• Excel in building productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, staff, and external partners. 
• Have strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex work setting. 
• Be able to work collaboratively in a team while also taking initiative when working independently. 

For further information please refer to the attached PD. 

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 fulfillment, including: 

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being 
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance 
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance 
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program 

For more information check out our benefits page! 

Your new team – Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous health 

The Poche Centre for Indigenous Health is a Faculty- wide centre with a focus on accelerating the development of Indigenous leadership in Indigenous health. The Centre was established in 2014.  

http://poche.mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/ 

Be Yourself   

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.   

The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods.  To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Bec Tucker – 0416 888 299 or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au.  You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers  

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants 
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne. 

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring 

If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au. 

Working at the University – what you need to know 
This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures. 

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia. 

Join Us and unlock your career potential! 
Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today! Including the following documents: 

• Resume 
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience 
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description) 

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria 

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Vanessa Phan via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address. 

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description. 

Applications close: 3 September 2025 at 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone. 

Position Description: JR-001609 Indigenous Student (PhD) Pathways Support Officer PD.pdf