"Research Fellow (Policy Development)"

Role type:

Full-time, Fixed-term for 3 years

Faculty:

The Faculty of Business and Economic

Department / School:

The Mabo Centre

Salary:

Level B - $124,656 - $148,023 p.a. plus 17% super

• Contribute to the Mabo Centre’s mission by conducting policy research, engaging with Traditional Owner organisations, and preparing high-quality publications to support informed law reform and policy initiatives.
• Work directly with Traditional Owner groups, shaping policy and research outputs that have a tangible impact on the rights, self-determination, and socio-economic development of Indigenous communities.
• Enjoy benefits including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

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

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

The Research Fellow will play an important part in shaping and expressing the Mabo Centre’s policy work. The position is responsible for identifying key opportunities for policy intervention and engaging with Traditional Owner organisations and key individuals to confirm and refine policy perspectives on these matters. It involves contributing to publications, written submissions, presentations, and other materials that support the clear articulation of Traditional Owner policy positions, with a particular, though not exclusive, emphasis on law reform proposals affecting rights in land, waters, seas, and natural resources. The Research Fellow will also support Traditional Owners participating in the Centre’s Visiting Fellow Program, commencing in 2026, and will contribute to the broader research activities of the Centre.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Identifying and researching key policy intervention opportunities, engaging with Traditional Owner organisations and stakeholders, and preparing policy contributions on identified matters.
• Supporting and presenting Traditional Owner perspectives through seminars, conferences, and other forums, including contributing directly where required.
• Producing and disseminating high-quality research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, conference and seminar papers, and adapting findings into training materials in collaboration with the team.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with Traditional Owners, stakeholders, and the broader research team, while participating independently in research activities.

You may be a great fit if:

You bring a demonstrated capacity to build and sustain meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and key stakeholders, showing respect, sensitivity, and cultural awareness in all interactions. You possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage collaboratively across diverse groups, navigate complex policy environments, and contribute positively to team and project outcomes. You demonstrate critical thinking, adaptability, and sound judgement in analysing policy issues, synthesising information, and contributing to evidence-informed discussions and decision-making. You also show initiative, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical practice, ensuring your work supports both the Mabo Centre’s objectives and the perspectives and priorities of Traditional Owner organisations.

You should also:

• Be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, with lived experience and cultural understanding relevant to engaging with Traditional Owner organisations and Indigenous communities.
• Hold a degree in law or a related discipline, with substantial knowledge of Indigenous land, sea, and water rights and associated policy frameworks.
• Demonstrate extensive experience producing high-quality academic research, policy publications, and submissions relevant to Indigenous legal and policy issues.
• Possess proven experience engaging with Traditional Owner organisations, Indigenous communities, or corporations, including the development of partnerships at local, national, or international levels.
• Apply detailed understanding of policy environments affecting Indigenous rights, including the ability to analyse, interpret, and synthesise complex legal and policy materials.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – The Mabo Centre

The Mabo Centre is a transformational joint initiative of the National Native Title Council (NNTC) and the University of Melbourne. The vision of the Centre is to have Australia’s Traditional Owners rights under international law fully respected and to have Traditional Owners enjoy the economic prosperity and social and cultural richness that will flow from this. The key purpose of the Mabo Centre is, therefore, to support Australia’s Traditional Owners in translating their land and sea rights into tangible economic, social and cultural outcomes for the benefit of their communities and broader regional Australia.

The Centre supports Traditional Owner groups and corporations in proper and effective negotiation and execution of agreements that adhere to the principles of self-determination and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and enable long-lasting socio-economic opportunities in their communities

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We believe 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. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing reasonable adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. For assistance, please contact Kim Groizard on 0410 701 828 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Contact details for other enquiries are located at the bottom of this page.

Find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Our Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerring outlines our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au for further information and support.

Please note: This role requires current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available.

A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for all positions. If successful, we'll guide you through the WWCC application process during onboarding and reimburse the cost.

Join Us and unlock your career potential!

If this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.

Learn more about the application process, including tips and FAQs.

For recruitment queries, email Brett Verity hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address.

For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description.

Position Description:

JR-006477 Research Fellow (Policy Development) PD.docx