Research Fellow

Overview:
- Part-time (negotiable 0.5 - 0.65 FTE), 1-Year Fixed Term position with an anticipated start date in early January 2025- Salary Academic Level B.1 ($110,868 p.a. pro rata) + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements- Based at the Melbourne CBD campus, and 2-3-week fieldwork trip to Hawaii in Q1 2025

Join our team as a Research Fellow to lead impactful research on emergency communication strategies, driving real-world change for wildfire-prone communities through hands-on fieldwork and high-quality, collaborative research.

About You

The Research Fellow will support the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology-funded project focused on emergency communications and evacuation during the 2023 Maui wildfires. This role involves studying the information received by Maui residents and tourists before and during the fires on 8 August 2023, and evaluating how various factors (e.g., psycho-social, environmental, etc.) influenced their evacuation decisions and protective actions. The findings will guide future strategies for wildfire-prone communities worldwide.

Key responsibilities include:
- Recruiting for and conducting semi-structured interviews with residents, tourists, and stakeholders to analyse the range and impact of information available during the wildfire event.-
- Conducting primarily in-person interviews, with some online, performing qualitative data analysis, and reporting results through project reports, journal articles, policy briefs, and presentations.- The role requires a 2-3-week fieldwork trip to Hawaii in Q1 2025, with the Research Fellow expected to drive in the U.S.

Additionally, the Fellow will develop and engage in high-quality research projects aligned with RMIT’s focus areas, build productive research networks within RMIT and with external partners, and produce impactful research outputs.

To be successful in this position, you will need to meet the following Key Selection Criteria:
- Evidence of experience in social science research methods, and in particular qualitative research methods.- Ability to work autonomously whilst displaying a strong commitment to work in a team environment, including the demonstrated ability to confidently and effectively work with colleagues, project team leaders, and industry partners.- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and effectively manage varying workloads and respond to changing priorities as required.- Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate research results, concepts and knowledge in high quality research outputs and to research stakeholders.- Mandatory qualifications: PhD or equivalent in relevant field.

About the RMIT STEM College

The STEM College holds a leading position and expertise in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health (STEM) fields. We are uniquely positioned to influence and partner with industry, as never before. STEM College is a community of exceptional STEM researchers, teachers, inventors, designers and game-changers, supported by talented professional staff. We offer higher education programs across all STEM disciplines at the Bachelor, Master and PhD levels, and ensure our students experience an education that is work-aligned and life-changing.

The College is renowned for its exemplary research in many STEM areas including advanced manufacturing and design; computing technologies; health innovation and translational medicine; nano materials and devices; and sustainable systems. Our brilliant researchers attract funding from government and industry sources. Industry is at the heart of what we do. It ensures our research has real world impact, and our students are truly work-ready. Under the leadership of DVC STEM College & Vice President, Digital Innovation, we have established new hubs of industry-connected digital innovation and endeavour and are engaging with global STEM organisations at scale.

Our diversity and shared values empower our work, and we are proud of the College’s inclusive, caring culture. We offer a safe, dynamic work environment, and support every member of our community to achieve their potential. The College appointed Victoria’s first ever Dean of STEM, Diversity & Inclusion in 2020, and this role drives gender equity, diversity and inclusion strategies across the College.

STEM College employs 1,000 staff who deliver onshore and offshore programs to approximately 20,000 students.

We are here to positively impact the world and create the next generation of STEM leaders.

School of Engineering

The School of Engineering is based on innovation and creativity. Our disciplines provide programs with flexible pathways to global careers or postgraduate research encompassing:
- aerospace engineering and aviation- chemical and environmental engineering- civil and infrastructure engineering- electrical and biomedical engineering- electronic and telecommunications engineering- mechanical and automotive engineering- manufacturing, materials and m