Senior Research Fellow, Climate-Smart Forestry – Indigenous Australian Theme Lead

University of Melbourne

Indigenous forestry researcher leading climate-smart forest research at the University of Melbourne. Building Traditional Owner partnerships, securing co-funded projects, and mentoring Indigenous researchers.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeMelbourne • 🇦🇺 AustraliaSenior💰 A$124,656 - A$172,613 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in leading research initiatives that integrate Indigenous knowledge and values, with a strong focus on building partnerships and delivering impactful outcomes in forest and environmental science. Proven ability to mentor and supervise research staff while promoting inclusive practices and co-design methodologies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD In Forest ScienceStrong Publication RecordExperience Delivering Research Impacting PolicyProven Experience Building Partnerships With Indigenous CommunitiesSkills In Designing Grant Proposals

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Research Programme DesignProject ManagementGrant Proposal DevelopmentCulturally Safe ApproachesKnowledge Exchange Facilitation

Soft Skills

CollaborativeEthically GroundedCommitment To Inclusive Research Practice

Certifications & Qualifications

Working With Children Check

Industry Keywords

Indigenous KnowledgeTwo Worlds FrameworkClimate-Smart ForestryRespectful RelationshipsSector Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the Indigenous Australians and Forests cross-cutting theme within the AFWI-funded Centre for Climate-Smart Forestry
Design and deliver a coordinated research programme embedding Indigenous knowledge and values across Centre activities
Develop and implement the Indigenous Australians and Forests theme aligned with CCSF and AFWI priorities
Produce high-quality scholarly outputs
Build and sustain respectful relationships with Traditional Owner groups, industry and government
Enable co-design and knowledge exchange
Create pathways and training for Indigenous participation in research
Supervise and mentor HDR students and early-career research staff
Lead co-funded and co-designed proposal development
Contribute to CCSF outreach and sector engagement
Participate in CCSF planning, seminars and committees
Promote inclusion and the Two Worlds framework across the CCSF

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD in Forest Science, Environmental Science, or a related discipline
Strong publication record
Experience delivering research that impacts policy or practice
Proven experience building respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities
Experience applying culturally safe, Two Worlds approaches
Skills in designing grant proposals
Experience managing funded projects
Proven experience working with Indigenous communities
Collaborative, ethically grounded and committed to inclusive research practice
Only Indigenous Australians are eligible to apply
Current valid work rights for Australia
Visa sponsorship is not available
Working with Children Check required
Resume and cover letter required

Benefits

Comp & perks

17% superannuation
Supportive flexible work arrangements
Career development opportunities, including tailored programs and LinkedIn Learning
Progressive leave provisions, including parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
Up to five days non-cumulative paid cultural leave per calendar year for Indigenous staff
Salary packaging
Discounted Bupa health insurance
Discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
Unique cultural and recreational benefits
Health and well-being services
Employee Assistance Program
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Line for employees and immediate family members
Indigenous Staff Network access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
Working with Children Check reimbursement
On-site childcare facilities
Discount on graduate courses
Flexible working options
Industry-leading leave provisions
Family-friendly work environment
Targeted training and clear career pathways