Job no: 0062175
Location: Parkville
Role type: Part time (0.2 FTE); Fixed-term for 24 months
Faculty: Science (Host Faculty)
Institute: Indigenous Knowledge Institute
Salary: UOM Academic Level E – $217,805 p.a. (pro rata for part time) 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, 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.

About the Indigenous Knowledge Institute

The Indigenous Knowledge Institute aims to advance research and engagement in Indigenous knowledge systems. Established in 2020, the Institute is one of five Melbourne Interdisciplinary Research Institutes that aim to promote research linkages and collaboration across the University and a lead role in articulating University research to external audiences. The Institute is recognised as a global hub for Indigenous wisdom and thought leadership in Indigenous knowledge research with diverse partners across Australia and the world.

About the Role

This position presents a unique opportunity for a senior Indigenous Knowledge Holder, Traditional Owner and/or Ceremonial Leader to work as a Professor of Indigenous Knowledge Institute at the University of Melbourne. As an Indigenous Knowledge Fellow, you will be supported to undertake a focused two-year program of research to realise your vision for advancing Indigenous Knowledge scholarship and exchanges.

Responsibilities include:

• Communicating and presenting on your research at internal and public events, meetings, and gatherings.
• Publishing and disseminating your research findings as ‘traditional’ (written and refereed) and/or ‘non-traditional’ (creative and public audience) academic outputs.
• Supporting the development of effective research collaborations in Indigenous Knowledge across the University.
• Contributing to developing a pipeline of research projects and partnerships focused on Indigenous Knowledge.

This position is located within the Indigenous Knowledge Institute at the University and reports to its Inaugural Director. The Institute aims to work in partnership with Indigenous communities and invests in research initiatives guided by four priority areas:

• Country — Indigenous knowledge of sustaining environments and ecologies
• Law — Indigenous knowledge in maintaining law, governance, and social cohesion
• Culture — Indigenous knowledge as applied through culture and creative expressions
• Futures — translating Indigenous knowledge for new applications

Each Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship awarded attracts a Research Project Grant of $20,000 per annum over two years. Successful applicants will be invited by the Institute to outline their anticipated project budget for approval.

About You

You will have a strong background in maintaining and/or revitalising in Indigenous Knowledge through your own activities and networks. You will also have a passion for advancing Indigenous Knowledge research within the university sector and want to contribute to promoting a working environment that supports this growth. 

You will also have:

• Extensive experience maintaining and/or revitalising Indigenous knowledge and related cultural and/or environmental practice. This may include comprehensive ceremonial and/or community leadership capabilities.
• Established leadership and influence within Indigenous community contexts and related organisations.
• Excellent ability to establish partnerships with relevant stakeholders and translate Indigenous Knowledge into research project and communication contexts.
• Excellent ability to co-create and participate in research projects and contribute to publishing findings as ‘traditional’ (written and refereed) and/or ‘non-traditional’ (creative and public audience) academic outputs.
• Excellent ability to present on Indigenous Knowledge and related research at internal and public events, meetings, and gatherings, including conferences and public lectures.

About the University

The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked among the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

Benefits 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 University’s Indigenous Strategy and Indigenous Employment Framework with the commitment to improving the employment, retention and career progression outcomes for Indigenous staff members.
• 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.

Be Yourself

We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact snr-talentacquisition@unimelb.edu.au, with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".

Join Us!

For more information on this role, and to apply, please visit https://indigenousknowledge.unimelb.edu.au/funding/IKI-fellows. Here you will be able to access the Application Form, please submit your research project proposal on the Application Form provided and your CV to indigenous-knowledge@unimelb.edu.au. Please do not apply via this advert.

Any queries concerning the application progress process can also be addressed to indigenous-knowledge@unimelb.edu.au.

Position Description

Applications close: 16 May 2024 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time