Research Fellow (Enabling Climate Change Adaptation)

Job no: 0057022
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full time; Fixed-term
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/School: School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Salary: Level A – $77,171 – $104,717 p.a. plus 17% super

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 School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
In 2021 the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences was formed within the Faculty of Science. The School combines discipline strength and expertise in Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, and its research and teaching spans the social sciences through to the quantitative physical sciences. In addition to our internationally recognised discipline expertise, we have strength in a number of multidisciplinary areas including: climate change; resource futures; space, place and social change; environmental hazards; Indigenous knowledge; and Earth system interactions. Environmental change is an overarching theme of interest in the School, and is analysed with reference to both social and natural sciences.

The School is dedicated to achieving a better future for our students, societies and the environment.

About the Role
This position is to conduct research seeking to understand the enablers of best practice climate change adaptation in Australia. The position is to work on a project funded by the National Environmental Science Program Climate Systems Hub.

The project seeks to explain what enables ‘best practice’ adaptation in Australia. It has four stages: i. evaluating progress in the implementation of adaptation in Australia, ii. developing a framework to identify adaptation best practices, iii. identifying the enablers of adaptation best practices, and iv. partnering with on-ground practitioners to develop and test an approach to enabling adaptation. At its conclusion the project will publish a guide to approaches for best practice adaptation, including case studies demonstrating how these work in action.

The position involves the design of data collection activities, data collection with a range of partners across Australia, analysis and publication of results, project management and reporting, and supporting other members of the research team. The position will be based in the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Melbourne, and provides an excellent opportunity for the further development of a career in academic research.

Responsibilities include:

• Contribute independently and as a team member in conducting original research, including literature reviews, research design, data collection, data analysis and communication of findings
• Work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders and research partners, and with members of the research team
• Maintain a strong focus on communicating research findings by publishing in highly ranked journals, presenting to peers at relevant conferences and developing plain English summaries and case studies
• Organise meetings with project partners and stakeholders

About You
You will possess an extensive knowledge of climate change adaptation and have the ability to conduct high quality research. You will have strong written and oral communication skills in English and have advanced analytical skills,  project management skills, and a demonstrated capacity to write for both academic and policy audiences. Experience with research on project evaluation, or on governance processes is desirable but not essential. 

You will also have:

• PhD in Human Geography or a related social science; or a Masters level degree in Human Geography or a related social science with experience working in the field of climate change adaptation
• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative research methods
• Excellent teamwork skills
• Availability to travel to conduct research and to work with research partners for extended periods of up to 2 weeks (per trip), for up to 18 weeks per year

To ensure the University continues to provide a safe environment for everyone, this position requires the incumbent to hold a current and valid Working with Children Check.

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

Benefits of Working with Us
In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements, generous personal, parental and cultural leave
• Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
• Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services including Myki cards and Qantas Club
• Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families

To find out more, visit https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/staff-benefits .

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.

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please submit your application including a brief cover letter, your resume and your responses against the selection criteria^ (found in the Position Description) for the role.

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact us at hr-talent@unimelb.edu.au .

Position Description