• Full-time continuing appointment (37.5 hours/week)
• Total remuneration range $156,562 to $179,946 pa
• Location: Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul (Ipswich)

This is an identified position and is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples only. 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).

Are you an experienced First Nations researcher looking to make a meaningful impact on First Nations research and scholarship? UniSQ is seeking a Senior Research Lead to collaboratively work with the Pro-Vice Chancellor (First Nations Strategy) and also other academic and administrative units to achieve outcomes aligned with UniSQ’s vision and strategic objectives.

The UniSQ First Nations Strategy Portfolio develops and oversees the implementation of cohesive First Nations strategies, ensuring alignment with broader UniSQ goals and priorities. The portfolio’s oversight responsibilities are supported by the First Nations Research Team, which ensures the quality and impact of First Nations research outputs through leading the agenda of culturally safe researchers and alliances. The portfolio also facilitates platforms for communication and collaboration, strategically guiding coordinated efforts and stakeholder engagement.

What you'll do

As the Senior Research Lead (First Nations), you will play a crucial role in advancing our First Nations research agenda. This position is pivotal in fostering excellence in First Nations research, scholarship, and professional activities, while ensuring academic quality. Supporting the Pro-Vice Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), you will lead and facilitate strategic partnerships with key stakeholders at all levels and provide direction to colleagues across the University by:

• Developing highly productive research relationships with schools, hubs, and research centre’s across UniSQ.
• Supporting the development of First Nations researchers through engagement and supported HDR pathways.
• Fostering regional and national relationships in First Nations research and higher education.
• Engaging with First Nations peoples and communities to ensure cultural responsiveness to their research needs.
• Coordinating First Nations research proposals to funding bodies such as government, industry, the Australian Research Council, and the National Health and Medical Research Council.
• Actively contributing to a positive change agenda across First Nations research.
• Building capacity among UniSQ First Nations researchers through mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities.

What will help you succeed

Key to your success in this role, will be your:

• Relevant PhD qualification or equivalent standing along with recognised significant experience in the relevant discipline area, or equivalent accreditation and standing, together with relevant teaching and research experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or qualifications.
• Recognition as a leading authority in the discipline area, with a strong record of contributions to teaching and research.
• Experience in developing and delivering effective research approaches that demonstrates a high level of understanding and awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, processes, protocols, and ethical considerations.
• High level interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage, consult and collaborate with key stakeholders across cultural contexts.
• Proven capacity to operate as an emerging researcher within an academic organisation, set and achieve goals and work across organisational boundaries to achieve agreed outcomes.

For further information about this role, please contact Professor Odette Best, Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), via +61 7 3812 6417 or [email protected].

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 understand that careers may be placed on hold or limited throughout many life circumstances.

Find out more about UniSQ at www.unisq.edu.au.

Reference Number: 0042_02/25

Location: Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul (Ipswich campus)

Term: Full-time continuing appointment (37.5 hrs/week)

Salary: Total remuneration range $156,562 to $179,946 pa (includes salary range of $132,287 to $152,045 pa based on full-time equivalent, employer superannuation contributions up to 17% of salary and annual leave loading)

Closes: Sunday, 4 May 2025 at 11:30 pm (AEST)

At UniSQ we are united by our core values of Respect, Integrity and Excellence, which guide our daily actions and decision-making.

If you know that this role is right for you, please submit your current resume together with a two-page (maximum) statement, outlining your skills and experience relative to ‘Who we’re looking for’ in the position description.

For more information on our selection process please refer to your recruitment journey, available on our website.