Research Fellow or Senior Research Fellow

Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 3 years on the lands of the Giabal and Jarowair people (Toowoomba). Shape research that matters to First Nations communities. UniSQ is committed to empowering Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia and custodians of the world’s oldest continuing living cultures. We respect the diversity of more than 200 Nations across this continent, honouring distinct knowledges, languages, cultures, lore/law and spiritual systems. The University recognises First Nations knowledges as vital to all fields of teaching, research and community engagement, and values the scholarship and expertise First Nations staff bring to our institution.

By supporting participation in cultural and community life and working in genuine partnership with Elders and communities, UniSQ strives to be a leader in responsive, respectful and culturally safe education and engagement. UniSQ is seeking an outstanding Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researcher to join a new First Nations led research program focused on strengthening First Nations leadership, self-determination and participation in natural resource management across the Murray Darling Basin.

Working with First Nations communities, Traditional Owners, the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, and One Basin CRC, you will contribute to research that supports practical outcomes for Country and community while helping shape future policy and practice. The program embraces First Nations data sovereignty principles and supports community-led approaches to knowledge sharing, research governance and decision-making.

Who you are

You are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researcher who is passionate about First Nations-led research that creates meaningful benefits for First Nations peoples, communities, and Country. You value respectful engagement with community, recognise the importance of First Nations knowledge systems and are committed to undertaking research in a culturally safe and ethical way. Whether you are an emerging researcher looking to build your research profile or a more established researcher seeking to lead and grow a significant program of work, you will be excited by the opportunity to shape a new research agenda, work alongside communities and partners, and contribute to real world impact.

What you’ll do

This is an opportunity to help shape and lead a new program of First Nations led research focused on strengthening First Nations participation, leadership, and decision making in natural resource management. Working alongside communities and Traditional Owners, you will contribute to research that is culturally safe, community informed and grounded in First Nations priorities and aspirations. You will undertake an applied program of research related to water modelling, water management, environmental governance, and First Nations knowledge systems, aligned with Queensland Government, DETSI, and One Basin CRC priorities.

Working collaboratively with First Nations communities, Traditional Owners, government, industry, and research partners, you will contribute to research that supports practical outcomes for Country and community while helping build the evidence base for future policy and practice.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Shape the direction and delivery of a growing First Nations research program
• Work alongside First Nations communities, Traditional Owners and partners on research grounded in community priorities and aspirations
• Build your research profile through publications, knowledge translation, and future funding opportunities
• Contribute to mentoring, capacity building, and the development of the next generation of First Nations researchers

Depending on experience and career stage, the successful candidate will be appointed at Academic Level B or Academic Level C within an appropriate School or department of the University and will be supported to further develop their research leadership, impact, and academic profile.

What will help you succeed

You will bring:

• A PhD qualification, or near completion within six months, in Environmental Science, Water Management, Cultural Heritage, Indigenous Studies, Ecology, Conservation, Surveying, Environmental Law or a relevant discipline.
• A developing or established track record of research excellence, relative to opportunity.
• Experience contributing to research projects, publications, and research outputs.
• Strong relationship building skills and the ability to work collaboratively across community, government, industry, and university settings.
• A commitment to First Nations-led research that delivers meaningful outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities.
• The motivation to contribute to a growing program of research, engagement, and impact.
• An understanding of, or willingness to work within, First Nations data sovereignty principles and culturally safe research practices.

Why join us?

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a growing program of First Nations led research with direct relevance to communities, Country, policy, and practice. As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Help shape a new and nationally significant research program.
• Work alongside First Nations communities, Traditional Owners, government and industry partners.
• Contribute to research that delivers meaningful outcomes beyond academia.
• Build your research profile through publications, research translation, and future funding opportunities.

At UniSQ, you will be part of a collaborative research community that values partnership, impact, and community engagement. UniSQ is committed to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment where Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees are supported to maintain connections to community, culture and Country while building rewarding academic careers. Alongside a supportive and flexible work environment, UniSQ offers competitive salary and 17% employer superannuation contributions, generous leave provisions, professional development opportunities, and a strong commitment to Indigenous advancement.

This is an identified position and is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. For this position, it is a genuine occupational requirement that it be filled by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person as permitted under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

For further information about this role, please contact Professor Celmara Pocock, Institute Executive Director (Communities and Regional Development), via (07) 4631 1008 or Celmara.Pocock@unisq.edu.au.

Building on its strengths as Australia’s leading regional university, UniSQ partners closely with its communities to drive innovation and create opportunity through education and research. Guided by our values of respect, integrity, and excellence, UniSQ’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030 sets a clear ambition: to be Australia’s most transformative university by embracing our regional identity, fostering inclusive learning and research environments, and delivering globally relevant outcomes with strong local impact.

The University offers a range of different ways of working and connecting across our physical and virtual spaces to meet the needs of our students, partners and community. We value diversity and strive to foster an inclusive environment that is underpinned by our values and champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from all diversity groups. With an increasingly diverse workforce, we understand that careers may be placed on hold or limited throughout many life circumstances.