Thomas and Margaret Ruth McArthur Research Fellow

University of Melbourne · Parkville · $87,266–$118,416 (stated in the posting)

Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term (to 31 December 2029)
Faculty: Arts
Department/School: School of Social and Political Sciences
Salary: Level A $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super

Prestigious social sciences postdoctoral fellowship / Dedicated research funding up to $10,000 p.a. / Mentoring in a world-class interdisciplinary School
Apply now to deepen your research profile and shape debates in anthropology and the social sciences.
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 prestigious fellowship, you will drive independent research in anthropology or cognate social sciences disciplines. You will strengthen your publication profile, pursue external funding, and collaborate within a vibrant interdisciplinary School.

What you will deliver:

Lead high-quality independent research in anthropology or cognate social sciences, aligned with School and Faculty priorities.
Produce scholarly publications and conference presentations that enhance the School's research reputation.
Develop and submit competitive external research grant applications, supported by dedicated fellowship research funds.
Contribute to the School's academic life through limited supervision, guest lecturing, and collegial service activities.
Maintain safe work practices and comply with OH&S and EH&S responsibilities relevant to your research.

You may be a great fit if you:

Hold a PhD in Anthropology or a cognate social sciences discipline.
Demonstrate capacity for independent scholarship and impactful research in the nominated field.
Bring a publication record in refereed journals or publishing houses, relative to opportunity.
Communicate clearly and confidently, with strong written and verbal skills for diverse audiences.
Collaborate effectively and contribute collegially to an inclusive Faculty of Arts community.
Align with Faculty values of diversity, inclusion, and high professional standards.

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 – School of Social and Political Sciences
Within the Faculty of Arts, the School of Social and Political Sciences is a leader in social research. The School brings together Anthropology, Development Studies, Criminology, Gender Studies, Political Science, and Sociology. You will join a collegial community committed to impactful scholarship, public engagement, and distinctive social science education. Senior academics will support your development through mentoring, collaboration, and opportunities to build an enduring research profile.

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 Associate Professor Jeff Garmany at jeff.garmany@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: Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:

Word: The Thomas and Margaret Ruth McArthur Research Fellow.docx

PDF: The Thomas and Margaret Ruth McArthur Research Fellow.pdf

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