- Conduct international research across Australia, South Africa and the UK
- Explore how grief, loss and place shape climate adaptation
- Work with Indigenous communities through participatory & arts-based research
Be Bold. Belong. Be More.
At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you.
A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you.
You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great.
Your opportunity
As our Research Fellow within the Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples you will contribute to REVIVE – Regaining the liveability of place: emancipatory futures under climate risk, an international research project exploring how communities navigate climate-related loss and grief to shape more liveable futures.
Based at our Lismore campus, you will work with researchers at Southern Cross University and King’s College London to design and deliver participatory, co-designed and arts-based research across three case study locations: Lismore, Australia; Durban, South Africa; and Norfolk, UK. Bringing together climate change adaptation, social and psychological perspectives, and community knowledge, you will generate high-quality research and accessible outputs that contribute to meaningful outcomes for participating communities.
You will make an impact by:
- Designing defined components of the REVIVE research program and delivering participatory, co-designed and arts-based research across the three international case study locations.
- Building respectful, reciprocal relationships with communities and applying Indigenous and culturally safe, ethical and context-appropriate research methodologies.
- Coordinating research activities, ethics and governance approvals, and project milestones in collaboration with the REVIVE research team.
What you will bring
You are an independent and collaborative researcher who can work thoughtfully with communities experiencing climate-related disruption, grief and loss. You bring sound research judgement, strong organisational skills and are committed to culturally safe research practice, adapting your approach to different community, cultural and international contexts.
To succeed in this role, you will also need:
- A PhD in social science, human geography, Indigenous studies or a relevant cognate discipline, or evidence that the PhD has been submitted and is under examination
- Demonstrated ability to independently design, undertake and deliver high-quality research at postdoctoral level, including managing research activities and meeting agreed milestones
- Strong knowledge of social and psychological understandings of grief, loss, mental health or wellbeing, and the capacity to engage respectfully with Indigenous understandings of wellbeing, relationality, place and Country
- Ability to conduct extended periods of fieldwork in overseas settings (UK and South Africa)
Why Southern Cross University
SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership - to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world.
Your opportunity is:
- Full-time, fixed term (18 months)
- Base location at Lismore, NSW 2480, with support from the Indigenous Research Academic at Southern Cross University’s Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples
- ACAD Level B. The base salary ranges from $117,916 - $139,454 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $163,161.
You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University?
Be more with Southern Cross University today
Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.
Name: Dr Kylie Day, Senior Lecturer
Phone: 02 66203245
Email: kylie.day@scu.edu.au
Applications close 11.30pm AEDT 16 November 2026
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and may be invited to interview prior to the position close date. For this reason, we recommend you register your interest by submitting your application as soon as possible.
Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter. The cover letter must clearly address each selection criterion in the position description. Information to support you to prepare your application is available on our website.
Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process, reach out to jobs@scu.edu.au.
