Senior Research and Engagement Fellow

At the University of Newcastle, we know that music and the arts change lives. They create healthier, more connected communities and we’re investing in this work because it matters, locally and globally.

Our School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences, together with the Newcastle Conservatorium, is seeking a Senior Research and Engagement Fellow to drive an ambitious agenda at the intersection of music, health, wellbeing, and community impact. Your work may span community music, applied ethnomusicology, music therapy, arts and health, First Nations collaborations, or other innovative approaches.

The role

In this 2-year, grant-funded position, you will:

- Develop and implement a research strategy in music and health that responds to community needs.
- Lead engagement initiatives connecting new communities with the Conservatorium, including through programs, short courses, and professional development
- Build partnerships with First Nations communities, health professionals, educators, and regional partners.
- Document and share the impact of music and the arts in creating healthier, more connected communities.

Based at our Newcastle City Campus on Awabakal land, this is a capacity-building appointment designed to strengthen the visibility and reach of music and arts research, and to create new opportunities for partnership and collaboration.

About you

You are an established or emerging leader in music (or the performing arts more broadly), able to move fluidly between research, practice, and community engagement. You may have built your profile through academic publications, non-traditional research outputs, innovative practice-based projects, or impactful community partnerships.

You bring:

- A doctoral qualification in music (or related field)
- A strong track record in community-engaged, applied, or socially impactful music scholarship.
- Skills in creating engaging, responsive learning experiences.
- Strong communication skills and a commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive practice.
- The ability to set engagement priorities, foster collaborations, and generate measurable impact.

Why this role?

As a 2-year, grant-funded appointment, this role offers the chance to:

- Shape a body of work that demonstrates how music and the arts support wellbeing, belonging, and community connection.
- Build on established partnerships and programs in a region where the University is already positively engaged.
- Contribute to Newcastle’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, connecting with emerging artists, creative networks, and community leaders.
- Grow your profile across the region and sector, positioning your work for future opportunities - new funding, expanded collaborations, and longer-term career pathways at the University of Newcastle.

Remuneration and benefits:

- Academic Level C - $143,602- $165,586 plus 17% superannuation
- Relocation support, additional leave entitlements, structured career development and training, staff discounts, wellness programs and more (see our benefits at a glance).

Our University

For over 60 years, the University of Newcastle has built a reputation for excellence in education and research, ranking in the top 1% of global universities and among the top 40 for impact. We are committed to equity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and developing socially-oriented leaders across our campuses in Newcastle, the Central Coast, Sydney, and Singapore.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands within our footprint areas. We extend that respect to the homelands of our students and staff. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. We are fully committed to building on our strengths in Indigenous higher education and providing a supportive space for our Indigenous students and communities

Accessibility

We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need adjustments at any stage, please contact Jenny Newell, Talent Acquisition Specialist, at jenny.newell1@newcastle.edu.au or +61 2 4055 0612. All requests will be handled with care and confidence.

How to apply

Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can review the full Position Description and submit your application.

Your application must include:

1. Your ORCID ID.
2. A URL link to your University Academic Profile (or equivalent).
3. A Cover Letter and Statement (uploaded as a single PDF): (i) Cover Letter (max. 1 page) outlining your interest in the role and providing details of 3 referees. (ii) Statement (max. 4 pages) addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria, as listed in the position description.
4. Your CV (max. 5 pages) tailored to your discipline

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEST), 6th October 2025

You can find more details about our application process here.

Additional information

- Applicants must have unrestricted work rights in Australia (visa sponsorship is not available)
- Working With Children Check is required.
- Flexible start date, with commencement expected by March 2026.
- For a full position description and selection criteria, visit our website.

Contact Us

For further information about this role, please contact: Owen Jackson, Executive Officer, School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences on (02) 4921 5173 or via email owEN.jackson@newcastle.edu.au

For technical support please contact: employment@newcastle.edu.au.

Please note, we do not accept email applications.

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