At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ethnographic research on fire politics and climate adaptation in Southeast Asia.
- Company: Join the University of Melbourne's School of Geography, a leader in environmental research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 17% superannuation, flexible work arrangements, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and offering visa sponsorship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with Indigenous communities and tackling climate challenges.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and experience in ethnographic methods required.
The predicted salary is between 118416 - 118416 $ per year.
Role type: Part-time (0.8FTE); Fixed-term for 12 months
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/ School: School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Science
Salary: Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super
Pioneering research exploring fire politics and climate adaptation / immersive fieldwork alongside Indigenous communities in the Philippines and Timor-Leste / collaborative, interdisciplinary team within a world-leading science faculty.
Build your research career while deepening critical understandings of fire, livelihoods and climate resilience through research with real-world relevance.
Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.
Your next career opportunity:
- Lead critical ethnographic research exploring fire, livelihoods and climate adaptation in Southeast Asia.
- Work alongside Indigenous and rural communities in the Philippines and Timor-Leste, engaging with and respecting local knowledge systems.
- Benefit from mentoring within a supportive, interdisciplinary team while building a strong foundation for your academic career.
What you will deliver:
- Conduct high-quality ethnographic research on fire politics, gendered livelihoods and climate change adaptation in Southeast Asia.
- Produce scholarly publications, reports and presentations that advance political ecology and agrarian studies in the region.
- Contribute to collaborative research proposals, seminars and conferences, enhancing the School's profile in critical human geography.
- Support supervision and mentoring of students and junior researchers involved in related projects and fieldwork.
- Engage respectfully with Indigenous communities, NGOs and stakeholders to build equitable, long-term research partnerships.
You may be a great fit if you:
- Hold, or be near completing, a PhD in human geography, anthropology, development studies or related fields.
- Apply advanced ethnographic methods and political ecology frameworks to analyse agrarian change and fire-related practices.
- Demonstrate deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems and experience working collaboratively with rural communities.
- Communicate effectively in English and local languages, or show commitment to learning Filipino, Tetum and Indigenous languages.
- Manage complex fieldwork logistics, competing priorities and deadlines while delivering agreed research outputs with minimal supervision.
- Publish in relevant international journals and contribute constructively to interdisciplinary, cross-cultural research teams and partnerships.
What we offer you:
- Build future financial security with 17% superannuation.
- Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being.
- Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs.
- Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being.
- Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services.
- Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program.
Your new team – School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Science:
You will join the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, a vibrant hub uniting social and physical sciences to tackle urgent environmental challenges.
The School's researchers span human geography, geoscience and atmospheric science, with recognised strengths in climate change, environmental hazards, Indigenous knowledge and space, place and social change.
Be Yourself:
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:
- This role is eligible for visa sponsorship and we welcome international applicants.
- A Working with Children Check is required for all positions.
- Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
For queries related to this specific position, contact Prof. Wolfram Dressler at wolfram.dressler@unimelb.edu.au
Applications close: 30 November 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.
Research Fellow in the Political Ecology of Fire and Climate Change Adaptation in the Philippines and Timor-Leste in Melbourne employer: University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional growth and well-being. As part of our Early Childhood Education Services team, you will enjoy generous benefits such as 17% superannuation, flexible work arrangements, and access to tailored career development programs, all while contributing to the transformative impact of education in a supportive university environment.
