AFWI Research or Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Climate-Smart Forestry Indigenous Australian Theme lead Full-time NEW

Indigenous Australian Theme Lead

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 more information check out our benefits page!

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.

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.

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: 12 August 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.