Research Fellow in the Political Ecology of Fire and Climate Change Adaptation in the Philippines and Timor-Leste

Role type: Part-time (0.8FTE); Fixed-term for 12 months 
Faculty: Faculty of Science 
Department/ School: School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Science 
Salary: Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super 

• Pioneering research exploring fire politics and climate adaptation / immersive fieldwork alongside Indigenous communities in the Philippines and Timor-Leste / collaborative, interdisciplinary team within a world-leading science faculty.

• Build your research career while deepening critical understandings of fire, livelihoods and climate resilience through research with real-world relevance.

• 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 role, you will lead critical ethnographic research exploring fire, livelihoods and climate adaptation in Southeast Asia.

You will work alongside Indigenous and rural communities in the Philippines and Timor-Leste, engaging with and respecting local knowledge systems.

You will benefit from mentoring within a supportive, interdisciplinary team while building a strong foundation for your academic career.

What you will deliver: 

• Conduct high-quality ethnographic research on fire politics, gendered livelihoods and climate change adaptation in Southeast Asia.

• Produce scholarly publications, reports and presentations that advance political ecology and agrarian studies in the region.

• Contribute to collaborative research proposals, seminars and conferences, enhancing the School’s profile in critical human geography.

• Support supervision and mentoring of students and junior researchers involved in related projects and fieldwork.

• Engage respectfully with Indigenous communities, NGOs and stakeholders to build equitable, long-term research partnerships.

You may be a great fit if you: 

• Hold, or be near completing, a PhD in human geography, anthropology, development studies or related fields.

• Apply advanced ethnographic methods and political ecology frameworks to analyse agrarian change and fire-related practices.

• Demonstrate deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems and experience working collaboratively with rural communities.

• Communicate effectively in English and local languages, or show commitment to learning Filipino, Tetum and Indigenous languages.

• Manage complex fieldwork logistics, competing priorities and deadlines while delivering agreed research outputs with minimal supervision.

• Publish in relevant international journals and contribute constructively to interdisciplinary, cross-cultural research teams and partnerships.

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 and 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 Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Science 
You will join the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, a vibrant hub uniting social and physical sciences to tackle urgent environmental challenges. The School’s researchers span human geography, geoscience and atmospheric science, with recognised strengths in climate change, environmental hazards, Indigenous knowledge and space, place and social change. Within the Faculty of Science, you will benefit from world-class facilities, diverse research networks and a strong commitment to reconciliation, equity and inclusion, creating a supportive environment to develop your academic career. 

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 [email protected]. 

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.

• This role is eligible for visa sponsorship and we welcome international applicants. If successful, we will support you through this process. 

• 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. 

• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description. Learn more about responding to Selection Criteria

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Prof. Wolfram Dressler at [email protected] 

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Oliver Bukasa at [email protected]

• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). 

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

Applications close: 30 November 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone. 

Position Description: 

JR-019858 - Research Fellow in the Political Ecology of Fire and Climate Change Adaptation in the Philippines and Timor-Leste - PD.docx

JR-019858 - Research Fellow in the Political Ecology of Fire and Climate Change Adaptation in the Philippines and Timor-Leste - PD.pdf