Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Indigenous Targeted) - Culturally Nourishing School

Join to apply for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Indigenous Targeted) - Culturally Nourishing School role at UNSW

Overview

The CNS project is a collaborative initiative between universities, schools, and communities, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through culturally focused, strengths-based whole-of-school change. CNS combines leadership and professional learning with practice-informed research to reshape teaching, curriculum, and community engagement.

We’re Seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Quantitative) To Help Drive The Next Phase Of CNS (2024–2027), Supporting Expansion Across NSW, SA, And VIC. The Fellow will:

• Develop a research agenda and deliver high-quality reports and publications.
• Apply quantitative education research methods and multivariate analysis.
• Support the management of a large, multi-stakeholder research program.
• Contribute to advocacy through data and policy-relevant insights.

Responsibilities Include

• Conduct high-quality research in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, both independently and within project teams.
• Prepare and publish research outputs (journal articles, reports, books) and contribute to grant submissions.
• Manage data, projects, and records in line with ethics, legal, and professional standards.
• Present research at conferences and industry forums, and engage with external stakeholders.
• Supervise HDR students where appropriate and contribute to project administration.

Qualifications

• A PhD in Education, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Studies, Sociology, or related field (within the past 5 years, with allowances for career interruptions).
• Proven scholarly writing skills and a developing publication record.
• Strong quantitative research skills, including multivariate analysis (experience in mixed-methods research an advantage).
• Experience conducting research in schools (preferred).
• Excellent project management, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively in diverse teams, with a willingness to travel domestically.

Location and Terms

• Location: Work from either Kensington NSW, Adelaide, or Melbourne
• Employment Type: Full-Time (35-hour week)
• Duration: Fixed-Term Contract until 31 December 2027
• Remuneration: (Level B) $127,947 - $150,830 + 17% superannuation
• Cultural Leave (for Indigenous People) and Indigenous Employee Network

Benefits And Culture

• Flexible working
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices
• Discounts and entitlements
• Cultural Leave (for Indigenous people) and Indigenous Employee Network

How To Apply

Please submit your CV, along with a cover letter, and an additional separate document that addresses your suitability in relation to each of the selection criteria (listed under “Skills & Experience” in the position description).

A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Applications close: 11:30pm on the 5th of October, 2025.

Note: The successful applicant will be required to complete standard pre-employment checks prior to commencing. If the successful applicant has self-identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, confirmation of Aboriginality will also be requested.

Get in Touch

Nat Chenhall – Manager Indigenous Employment n.chenhall@unsw.edu.au

For queries regarding the recruitment process, contact Lucy Gerondis, Talent Acquisition Consultant, UNSW: l.gerondis@unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.