Research Fellow in Circular Economy

UOM University of Melbourne; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 148,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Job summary

The University of Melbourne invites applications for a Research Fellow in Circular Economy to design and deliver innovative research programmes in collaboration with industry, government and campus partners. You will work with the Chair of Circular Economy to translate insights into measurable sustainability outcomes.

You will develop and manage interdisciplinary projects, seek collaborative funding, and contribute to publications and internal initiatives, advancing sustainability across FEIT

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD in a relevant field such as sustainability, circular economy or engineering.
• Demonstrate experience developing collaborative funding opportunities with partners in industry, government or research organisations.
• Work effectively within interdisciplinary research teams, building constructive relationships across diverse disciplines and stakeholder groups.
• Manage projects and budgets confidently, setting priorities, monitoring progress and delivering agreed outcomes on time.
• Communicate complex ideas clearly, with strong written, oral and workshop facilitation skills across in-person and online formats.
• Bring an outstanding track record in circular economy or related project areas, including independent, self-directed research.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver high-quality circular economy research projects in interdisciplinary teams with industry, government and campus partners.
• Identify and secure new collaborative funding opportunities, including proposals in plastics, metals, energy and related systems.
• Develop and manage project plans, budgets, timelines and milestones to ensure successful delivery of research programmes.
• Coordinate engagement activities including workshops, seminars and events that strengthen partnerships and visibility for circular economy.
• Contribute to advancing sustainability and circular economy at the University through publications, presentations and internal initiatives.

Education

PhD in sustainability, circular economy or engineering

Job description

Role type: Full-time (1.0 FTE); Fixed term for up to 2 years.

Faculty: Engineering and Information Technology.

School: Chemical and Biomedical Engineering.

Salary: Level A: AUD $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. (pro rata) plus 17% super.

Level B: AUD $124,656 - $148,023 p.a. (pro rata) plus 17% super.

Shape interdisciplinary circular economy research / collaborate with national and global partners / drive real-world sustainability impact.

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

You will work closely with the Chair of Circular Economy to design and deliver innovative research programmes. You will build partnerships across disciplines, industry and government to translate insights into measurable sustainability outcomes.

What you will deliver:

Design and deliver high-quality circular economy research projects in interdisciplinary teams with industry, government and campus partners.

Identify and secure new collaborative funding opportunities, including proposals in plastics, metals, energy and related systems.

Develop and manage project plans, budgets, timelines and milestones to ensure successful delivery of research programmes.

Coordinate engagement activities including workshops, seminars and events that strengthen partnerships and visibility for circular economy.

Contribute to advancing sustainability and circular economy at the University through publications, presentations and internal initiatives.

You may be a great fit if you:

Hold a PhD in a relevant field such as sustainability, circular economy or engineering.

Demonstrate experience developing collaborative funding opportunities with partners in industry, government or research organisations.

Work effectively within interdisciplinary research teams, building constructive relationships across diverse disciplines and stakeholder groups.

Manage projects and budgets confidently, setting priorities, monitoring progress and delivering agreed outcomes on time.

Communicate complex ideas clearly, with strong written, oral and workshop facilitation skills across in-person and online formats.

Bring an outstanding track record in circular economy or related project areas, including independent, self-directed research (quantitative and/or qualitative).

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

Within the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, you will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community. You will collaborate closely with the Department of Chemical Engineering, renowned for world-leading industry-engaged sustainability research. You will benefit from FEIT’s strong partnerships, mission-led 2035 strategy and major circular economy research initiatives and centres.

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 [e-mail].

Position Description

JR-019034 Research Fellow in Circular Economy PD.doc

JR-019034 Research Fellow in Circular Economy PD.pdf

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