Role type: Full-time (1.0 FTE), Fixed term until 31 January 2029
Faculty: Education 
Salary: Level B - $124,656 - $148,023 p.a. plus 17% super 

• Lead an ARC Discovery project on slow emergencies / shape youth-focused education policy responses / build a strong publication profile
• Apply now to drive innovative qualitative research with young people and policy makers on urgent slow emergencies.
• 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 postdoctoral role, you will drive the day-to-day delivery of qualitative research on the ‘slow emergencies’ of climate change, AI and pandemics and young people’s futures in education policy.
You will design and deliver interviews and participatory forums with young people and policy makers across Australia.
You will strengthen your academic profile through high-quality publications, presentations and contributions to grant development.

What you will deliver: 

• Drive the day-to-day planning, delivery and continuous improvement of qualitative research activities, including interviews and in-person and online participatory forums on slow emergencies.
• Collaboratively produce high-quality publications, presentations and other project outputs.
• Advance effective relationships, including with research target audiences to establish networks for data collection and research impact.
• Support project governance through workplan monitoring, progress reporting, and robust records and data management.
• Mentor and coordinate research assistants, graduate and youth researchers, and contribute to related funding proposals.

You may be a great fit if you: 

• Hold a PhD in education or a related social science completed within the last five years.
• Demonstrate a strong record of peer-reviewed publications relative to opportunity and career stage.
• Apply advanced qualitative methods in comparative studies and/or research with young people or policy makers.
• Manage complex research projects, timelines and competing priorities with strong organisational and planning skills.
• Collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary research teams and communicate confidently with diverse stakeholders.
• Contribute expertise in slow emergencies, education policy, climate change, AI or young people’s mental health.

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, cultural leave, and menstruation and menopause 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 – Faculty of Education
You will join the Faculty of Education’s School of Education and Society, a vibrant community shaping educational futures. The Slow Emergencies project team brings together leading scholars in education policy, youth studies and environmental and digital change. Working closely with Professor Marcia McKenzie and collaborators across institutions, you will contribute to research that informs policy responses to climate change, AI and other slow emergencies. The Faculty offers a collegial, inclusive culture, strong mentoring and extensive networks to support your development as an emerging research leader.

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 korin-korin@unimelb.edu.au.

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.
• You are not required to address the Selection Criteria for this application.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Marcia McKenzie at marcia.mckenzie@unimelb.edu.au  
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Nick Petersen at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

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

Applications close: 22 November 2026 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone. 

Position Description
Word: JR-020182_Slow Emergencies Postdoc_PD.docx
PDF: JR-020182_Slow Emergencies Postdoc_PD.pdf