ARC Research Fellow, Social Performance and Indigenous Cultural Heritage – Identified s25

• Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology / Sustainable Minerals Institute / ARC Training Centre for Archaeology on the Resources Sector
• Full-time fixed-term position for 2 years
• Base salary will be in the range $119,462.94 - $141,545.09 + 17% super (Academic Level B)
• This position is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates only, as a genuine occupational requirement to inform mining and social performance, cultural heritage management in the resources sector, and community engagement
• Based at our St Lucia Campus with travel to remote areas

Acknowledgement of Country

The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ operates. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society.

About This Opportunity

Join the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM) within the Sustainable Minerals Institute, and the Australian Research Council Training Centre for Archaeology in the Resources Sector as a Research Fellow and contribute to applied research that responds to the social challenges and opportunities associated with resource extraction. In this collaborative, multidisciplinary role, you will deliver funded research projects, build meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities as rights and interest holders and industry partners, and translate research into outcomes that create academic and real-world impact.

The role will contribute to the ARC Training Centre for Archaeology in the Resources Sector, a collaboration involving Traditional Owners, universities, resources companies, archaeologists, and cultural heritage experts. The Centre aims to develop new approaches to safeguarding Indigenous cultural heritage and strengthening cultural heritage management within the resources sector.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research: Coordinate, design and deliver applied research within the ARC Training Centre and CSRM projects, including data collection and analysis, literature reviews, high-quality publications, end-user knowledge products, project proposals and funding applications, while working collaboratively with Indigenous communities, industry partners and other research end users.
• Teaching: Contribute to research training and teaching within CSRM through guest lectures, tutorials and short courses, while supporting professional development, knowledge transfer and curriculum activities aligned with research expertise.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, support UQ’s PhD cohort within the ARC Training Centre, and foster a collaborative research culture that supports peer learning and researcher capability development.
• Citizenship and Service: Build purposeful partnerships within UQ and with Indigenous communities, industry, government, professional bodies and the wider community, while contributing to internal and external service activities and consistently demonstrating UQ values.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

For further information, please click here to view the information booklet.

About You

The University of Queensland considers that to perform this role, it is essential that the person is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. It is therefore a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld). The position is therefore only open to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. The successful candidate will be required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

• Completion of a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., social sciences, geography, anthropology, development studies, archaeology or related field).
• Demonstrated understanding of the histories and distinct cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with demonstrated experience working and engaging effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Demonstrated experience in applied research, preferably in resource sectors, social performance, or governance-related areas.
• Emerging track record of research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications and/or industry-focused reports.
• Experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including in regional and remote areas.
• Demonstrated organisational and project support skills, with the ability to contribute to multiple projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a commitment to ethical research practices and socially responsible research outcomes.
• A current valid driver licence.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will join a Group of Eight university recognised for excellence in teaching, research and engagement. UQ offers a supportive and rewarding academic environment, with benefits including recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible and hybrid working arrangements, access to exclusive internal‑only vacancies, cultural leave, and genuine career progression through the academic promotions process. You will also have opportunities to connect with vibrant staff networks, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.

UQ is committed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ learning, discovery and engagement, and to playing a leading role in reconciliation in Australia. Guided by the University’s Strategic Plan, Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy, we work in partnership with communities to embed reconciliation across our operations. Your cultural identity will be respected, valued and embraced, and you will be supported to contribute to an organisation that champions Indigenous voices.

About the ARC Training Centre for Archaeology in the Resources Sector

The ARC Training Centre is 5-year, $18m investment to transform cultural heritage management in the resources industry. Led by Flinders University with the University of Queensland, Southern Cross University and Partner Organisations (including Indigenous organisations, cultural heritage consultants and mining companies) it aims to strengthen Australia’s capability in responsible mining and cultural heritage management through training a highly skilled, interdisciplinary workforce that integrates Indigenous partnerships, archaeological expertise, critical thinking and social performance (https://www.archaeologytrainingcentre.org/).

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Sarah Holcombe at s.holcombe@uq.edu.au. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarizing how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia and qualification checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

Relocating from interstate? We may support you with a relocation support package, however upfront costs will still be expected to be covered. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.

We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close Sunday December 6th 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-69982).