Role Overview

Role type: Part‑time (.3 FTE); Fixed‑term until 11 March 2029 Faculty: Architecture, Building and Planning Department: Melbourne Centre for Cities Salary: Level A: AUD $87,266 – $118,416 p.a. (pro rata) plus 17% super ARC‑funded Urban Visual Governance project / hands‑on fieldwork with graffiti writers and city image managers / collaborative urban research community 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.

In this role, you will deepen your expertise in urban visual culture and governance across Australian cities. You will conduct qualitative fieldwork, interviewing graffiti writers, removers, and city image managers, and engaging diverse community stakeholders. You will contribute to an ARC‑funded project while developing your own interdisciplinary urban research pathways.

Responsibilities

- Collaborate with the DECRA Fellow to plan, deliver, and refine the Urban Visual Governance research program.
- Coordinate and contribute to literature reviews, policy analyses, case studies, and empirical research on graffiti management in Australia.
- Design and support project workshops, events, and exhibitions that share findings with academic and public audiences.
- Build relationships with local governments, artists, and community groups to maximise research impact and policy relevance.
- Present project outputs at seminars, symposia, and conferences, and contribute actively to ABP and Melbourne Centre for Cities activities.

Qualifications

- Hold a completed postgraduate degree in Urban Studies, Arts, Visual Culture, Geography, or related Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines.




- Bring an emerging research profile in urban communication, geography, social sciences, public art, or visual urban cultures.
- Demonstrate experience using qualitative and visual methods, including policy analysis, interviews, ethnography, and focus groups.
- Excel at synthesising academic and grey literature into clear written summaries and reviews, tailored to varied audiences and stakeholders.
- Possess strong organisational skills, delivering high-quality work to deadlines while managing competing project demands.
- Use digital tools confidently, including Microsoft Office, research databases, design software, and reference management systems.

Benefits

- 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 perks such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
- Health and well‑being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

Team and Workplace





You will join the Melbourne Centre for Cities within the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning. Our open‑plan shared workspace hosts a welcoming community of urban researchers who collaborate daily on diverse city challenges. You will enjoy regular morning teas, informal exchanges, and opportunities to co‑create research beyond the core project. The Centre actively supports self‑directed research, interdisciplinary learning, and meaningful partnerships with policy, practice, and communities.

Equal Opportunity

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 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‑.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

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.

For questions related to our recruitment process email Brett Verity at . For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on or at (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

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📌 Research Assistant, Urban Visual Governance (Melbourne)
🏢 UOM University of Melbourne
📍 Melbourne