Research Fellow

Role type: Fixed term for 12 Months, Full time (1 FTE) 
Faculty: Melbourn Law School 
Department/ School: Melbourne Social Equity institute 
Salary: Level B $124,656 - $148,023 p.a. plus 17% super

• This impactful applied research role shapes evidence on social enterprise, inclusive work, and community wellbeing within a collaborative, values-driven institute.

• Apply now to advance social equity through rigorous, community-engaged research with partners across sectors.

• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

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  
In this role, you will manage and deliver applied research that advances social equity and inclusive work. You will collaborate with government, philanthropy and community partners to generate evidence that informs policy and practice. You will also build your research profile through publications and engagement within a supportive, interdisciplinary institute.

What you will deliver:

• Manage and conduct applied research and evaluations of social enterprises, inclusive work initiatives and related government programmes.

• Integrate and analyse complex datasets to deepen understanding of Australia's for-purpose sector and its social outcomes.

• Lead or contribute to high-quality academic and applied publications, reports and other outputs from Institute projects.

• Engage proactively with partner organisations and stakeholders, supporting co-productive research design and community-informed methodologies.

• Manage project workflows, timelines and reporting requirements to ensure delivery within contractual and grant agreements.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a completed PhD in sociology, management, policy studies, evaluation science or another relevant analytical discipline.

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of evaluation debates and methods, or social enterprise research contexts.

• Bring hands-on experience conducting applied social research or evaluation projects, ideally with external or community partners.

• Understand participatory and co-productive approaches to research or community initiatives, and how to apply these in practice.

• Communicate clearly through high-quality writing and digital formats tailored to diverse academic, policy and practitioner audiences.

• Build productive relationships within small teams and across organisational boundaries, working confidently with varied stakeholders.

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 fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being

• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – The Melbourne Social Equity Institute  
The Melbourne Social Equity Institute is committed to achieving fairer societies through research that makes a difference. We are a whole of university institute hosted by Melbourne Law School.

We conduct and facilitate interdisciplinary research that addresses the causes and consequences of social inequities and advances knowledge about effective ways to respond.

We are leaders in community-engaged and co-productive research for social change. Our work contributes to changing public policy and perceptions, as well as improving social and organisational practices. Our approach creates opportunities for researchers, community organisations and people with lived expertise to develop their skills in working together.

Be Yourself  
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. 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 adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants  
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [email protected]

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.

• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.

• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.

• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Professor Jo Barraket at [email protected]

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Nick Petersen at [email protected]

• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Applications close: Sunday 24th May at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:  
JR-012906 Research Fellow PD.pdf 
JR-012906 Research Fellow PD.docx