Research Fellow or Senior Research Fellow (First Nations)

- $116,315 to $162,875 pa + 17% Super + Annual Leave Loading
- Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 3 years
- On the lands of the Giabal and Jarowair people (Toowoomba)

Shape research that matters to First Nations communities.

UniSQ is committed to empowering Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia and custodians of the world’s oldest continuing living cultures. We respect the diversity of more than 200 Nations across this continent, honouring distinct knowledges, languages, cultures, lore/law and spiritual systems. The University recognises First Nations knowledges as vital to all fields of teaching, research and community engagement, and values the scholarship and expertise First Nations staff bring to our institution. By supporting participation in cultural and community life and working in genuine partnership with Elders and communities, UniSQ strives to be a leader in responsive, respectful and culturally safe education and engagement.

UniSQ is seeking an outstanding Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researcher to join a new First Nations led research program focused on strengthening First Nations leadership, self-determination and participation in natural resource management across the Murray Darling Basin.

Working with First Nations communities, Traditional Owners, the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, and One Basin CRC, you will contribute to research that supports practical outcomes for Country and community while helping shape future policy and practice. The program embraces First Nations data sovereignty principles and supports community-led approaches to knowledge sharing,



research governance and decision-making.

Who you are

You are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researcher who is passionate about First Nations-led research that creates meaningful benefits for First Nations peoples, communities, and Country. You value respectful engagement with community, recognise the importance of First Nations knowledge systems and are committed to undertaking research in a culturally safe and ethical way.

Whether you are an emerging researcher looking to build your research profile or a more established researcher seeking to lead and grow a significant program of work, you will be excited by the opportunity to shape a new research agenda, work alongside communities and partners, and contribute to real world impact.

What you’ll do

This is an opportunity to help shape and lead a new program of First Nations led research focused on strengthening First Nations participation, leadership, and decision making in natural resource management. Working alongside communities and Traditional Owners, you will contribute to research that is culturally protected, community informed and grounded in First Nations priorities and aspirations.

You will undertake an applied program of research related to water modelling, water management, environmental governance, and First Nations knowledge systems,



aligned with Queensland Government, DETSI, and One Basin CRC priorities. Working collaboratively with First Nations communities, Traditional Owners, government, industry, and research partners, you will contribute to research that supports practical outcomes for Country and community while helping build the evidence base for future policy and practice.

You will have the opportunity to:

- Shape the direction and delivery of a growing First Nations research program
- Work alongside First Nations communities, Traditional Owners and partners on research grounded in community priorities and aspirations
- Build your research profile through publications, knowledge translation, and future funding opportunities
- Contribute to mentoring, capacity building, and the development of the next generation of First Nations researchers

Depending on experience and career stage, the successful candidate will be appointed at Academic Level B or Academic Level C within an appropriate School or department of the University and will be supported to further develop their research leadership, impact, and academic profile.

What will help you succeed

You will bring:

- A PhD qualification, or near completion within six months, in Environmental Science, Water Management, Cultural Heritage, Indigenous Studies, Ecology, Conservation, Surveying, Environmental Law or a relevant discipline.
- A developing or established track record of research excellence, relative to opportunity.
- Experience contributing to research projects, publications, and research outputs.
- Strong relationship building skills and the ability to work collaboratively across community, government, industry, and

📌 Research Fellow or Senior Research Fellow (Toowoomba Regional)
🏢 Indigcareers
📍 Toowoomba Regional