Job Description:

Job no: 0056579
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 2 years
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/School: School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Salary: Level A - $80,258 - $108,906 p.a p.a. plus 17% super (*PhD entry level $101,460 p.a.)

• Undertake high-level qualitative and quantitative social science research, working with marginalised rural populations
• Work within a multi-disciplinary research-based team environment and develop your career trajectory
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the Role
As the Research Fellow, you will conduct high-level research as part of a ACIAR project focusing on sustainable rice yields in the Philippines. In this role, you will conduct qualitative and quantitative social science research on rice crop production's intricate politics, practices, and ecologies, and how these impact livelihoods and food security in the Philippines. Ethnographic and applied in nature, the role will involve an analysis of the political ecology/ economy of upland and lowland rice production systems, and a situated ethnoecology of both systems.

Working as part of the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, you will receive ample research support and infrastructure to excel in this vital role and grow your career. Join us and make a global impact.

Who We Are Looking For
Our ideal candidate is an exceptional researcher, with a strong awareness of the ethical considerations involved in conducting research with marginalised rural populations and sensitivity to navigating power imbalances in culturally diverse settings. You will have an excellent understanding of ethnographic methods and proficiency in applied, participatory approaches. Additionally, you will demonstrate the ability and willingness to engage in extended fieldwork in remote rural locations.

You will have demonstrated ability to build relationships with stakeholders to foster collaborative partnerships and an ability and desire to build an academic research career trajectory.

You will also have:

• A PhD in social/ cultural anthropology/ human geography, critical agrarian studies, and or political ecology/ economy, or related disciplines
• Demonstrated ability to lead publications in top-tier social science journals independently and with a larger team of academics/ policy makers
• A demonstrated aptitude for research, with a sound publication record in relevant areas, commensurate with experience and opportunities
• Excellent ability to work co-operatively and positively in a multi-disciplinary research-based team environment and liaise with people from diverse backgrounds
• Excellent ability to work co-operatively and positively in a multi-disciplinary research-based team environment and liaise with people from diverse backgrounds

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

This position requires the incumbent to hold a current and valid Working with Children Check to ensure the University provides a safe environment for everyone.

Visa sponsorship may be available for this position.

Your New Team – School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
The School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences synergises discipline strengths in geography, atmospheric science and geoscience. The School offers undergraduate and graduate research programs in these core discipline areas, and in the multi-disciplinary fields of Climate Change, Environmental Science and Archaeological Science.

The research within the School is built upon extensive expertise in geography, geoscience and atmospheric science, ranging from the social sciences through to the quantitative physical sciences. In addition to internationally recognised discipline expertise, we have strengths in a number of multi-disciplinary areas including: climate change; resource futures; space, place and social change; environmental hazards; Indigenous knowledge; and Earth system interactions.

What We Offer You!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page!

About the University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. 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 and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

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 the email address listed at the bottom of the page.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

^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

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Ana Gencic via email at Faculties-TA@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Applications close: 7 DECEMBER 2023 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT)

Position Description: 0056579 Research Fellow in Political Ecology_Agrarian Studies PD.pdf