The University of Melbourne,, Victoria University of Melbourne

School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences
Faculty of Science

Salary: $69,148, – $93,830 p.a. (pro rata) plus 17% superannuation

Only Indigenous Australians are eligible to apply for this position, as it is exempt under the Special Measure Provision, section 12(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2011 (Vic)

All urban environmental practices, research and policy occur on Aboriginal Country.  No matter the focus, approach, personnel, timing or framing, all of these practices have an impact on the lives and futures of Indigenous peoples.  A key challenge, then, is for urban practitioners and researchers to respond meaningfully to the expectations, rights and aspirations of Indigenous communities in urban areas. 

We are seeking a Research Fellow to lead a project exploring Indigenous perspectives on biodiversity in urban environments.  The Fellow will join the Clean Air and Urban Landscapes Hub (CAUL) of the National Environmental Science Program (NESP).  The NESP program is funded by the Australian federal government.

The Research Fellow will explore a range of research questions such as the significance of native biodiversity (including threatened species and ecological communities) for maintaining a connection to Country in the city; ways to improve the liveability and conservation value of urban landscapes by better incorporating Indigenous values and knowledge of biodiversity into urban design and management; and the utility of interdisciplinary collaborations between ecology, participatory art making and performance for engaging the broader community with Indigenous place, history and culture.

The successful applicant will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, such as Science, Environmental Science, Arts or a related field
• Research experience, including the capacity to plan, conduct and report on research, relative to career opportunity
• Expertise in field methods relevant to urban ecology
• Demonstrated ability to engage with relevant professional and industry bodies, and to foster collaborative partnerships
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate with diverse audiences
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with a proven ability to meet deadlines

Please ensure that you address all of these essential criteria in your application.

The following attributes are also desirable:

• An Honours or Masters degree in Science, Environmental Science, Arts or a related field
• Research experience in urban environments
• Experience in engaging with the general public through citizen science, the arts, and/or the media

This is a re-advertised position. Previous applicants need not re-apply.

Close date: 5 Aug 2018

For full position information and to apply online go to: http://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/caw/en/job/896869/research-fellow-urban-environments-readvertised

 

Source: Uniting News