Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Indigenous Knowledges

This position is an identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander position. Pursuant to a Section 50 (d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, only suitable Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates will be considered.

Murdoch University is proud to be one of Australia's most inclusive Universities and remain committed to becoming the University of choice for First Nations peoples. We aim to be an exemplar in embracing, promoting, and benefiting from Indigenous knowledges and cultural inclusivity within our operations.  

The University has set a new precedent within the higher education sector, recognising the cultural contribution of First Nations Staff through the establishment of a cultural load allowance, providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role. A further individual loading of up to $15,000 per annum (pro-rata) is available for Level B Academic appointments teaching in the School of Indigenous Knowledges.

We invite you to read our 'Working Together: First Nations Inclusion at Murdoch University' booklet to learn more about the meaningful strategies, initiatives and commitments currently underway, and meet some of the inspiring First Nations leaders contributing to our university community.

About The Team

The School of Indigenous Knowledges (SIK) delivers a multi-disciplinary program that exemplifies best practice in the teaching and learning of Indigenous Knowledges, grounded in local Noongar ways of knowing, doing and being. The School was launched in 2023 and is building its operations across undergraduate and postgraduate program delivery.  Being Aboriginal-led and underpinned by the principles of truth-telling and social justice, the School aligns with Murdoch University's commitment to becoming the First Choice for First Nations people. The Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in Indigenous Knowledges will play a key role in the building of this new School and in the delivery of its programs.

The School of Indigenous Knowledges is co-located with the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre and promotes flexible work arrangements and employee cultural safety.

Your New Role  

Lecturer (Level B)

The position provides meaningful contributions to the School, College, University, and profession through teaching, research, and service in the field of Indigenous Knowledges. You will deliver a program that exemplifies best practice in the teaching and learning of Indigenous Knowledges, grounded in Noongar ways of knowing, doing, and being, and that is underpinned by the principles of truth-telling and social justice.

Senior Lecturer (Level C)

The position plays a major role in teaching, research, engagement and partnerships of the school, and coordinates and delivers undergraduate and postgraduate units in the School's academic programs. The units explore Aboriginal cultures, histories, and experiences; cross-cultural sensitivity and communication strategies; current issues in Indigenous Australia; health and wellbeing; and intersections of Western and Indigenous ways of knowing.

Performing a teaching and research role, you will develop important University, community and industry relationships and help shape curriculum, publish impactful original research, contribute to the administrative operation of the School and University, and supervise Honours students and postgraduate research.

Key responsibilities for both Level B and Level C positions can be found in their respective Position Descriptions:

• Level B
• Level C

What We Offer You

The Lecturer (Level B) position attracts a remuneration of $111,000 - $131,000 (pro-rata) per annum plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.

The Senior Lecturer (Level C) position attracts a remuneration of $135,000 - $156,000 (pro-rata) per annum plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.

You'll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

• Periodic salary increases between 1 January 2026 to 1 July 2026 totalling a 4% increase
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
• Indigenous Language Allowance
• Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
• Employee Assistance Program

For further information, check out our benefits and services page

Join us

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
• Your most recent resume (CV)

What you'll bring to the role:

Lecturer (Level B)

• Completed or be undertaking a higher degree research programme in a relevant discipline or demonstrated equivalent knowledge and/or experience relevant to the position,
• Demonstrated experience or capability of working meaningfully with First Nations communities,
• Ability to deliver high quality student experiences in all facets of learning,
• Demonstrated ability to teach Indigenous content, including Indigenous theory and methods of knowledge production,
• Ability to engage meaningfully in research endeavours, working independently and/or as part of a team,
• Capacity to work sensitively in a culturally safe way when working with a diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Senior Lecturer (Level C)

• A PhD in a relevant discipline or demonstrated relevant equivalent knowledge and/or experience.
• Demonstrated experience or capability of working meaningfully with First Nations communities.
• Extensive experience in the delivery of high-quality student experiences in face-to-face and online learning.
• Ability to lead impactful and original research endeavours, individually and as part of a team.
• Ability to contribute to and lead the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students as part of a supervision team.

Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Associate Professor Jenna Woods, Dean of Indigenous Knowledges and quote JR104420 as the reference.

Applications will remain open for 6 months from the date of posting. The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.