Academic Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit

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Identified (s25): For Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples only

The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ operates. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society.

About UQ

UQ is not just a place of learning; it's a vibrant community committed to making a profound impact on Australian Indigenous peoples. With a rich heritage spanning over a century, UQ stands at the forefront of higher education, research, and social change, driven by a steadfast dedication to reconciliation and empowerment.

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged. As part of our commitment to research excellence, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and post-fellowship contracts via our .

At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. Not only do we have one of the largest PhD enrolments in Australia, but we have also made a to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

About This Opportunity 

The ATSIS Unit is committed to providing a supportive environment for students. The successful appointee will demonstrate leadership in teaching, service/engagement, research, and other activities associated with the Unit. The appointee will require an extensive knowledge and/or high-level understanding of the discipline of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies, strong knowledge of community protocols, and well-established connections to communities. They will be expected to oversee an academic team that delivers a major in the Bachelor of Arts program at UQ, and lead in the development of special projects across the University in the areas of service teaching, curriculum development and cultural competency activities. The appointee will be expected to pursue an active and productive program of research relevant to the Unit’s research priorities, and commensurate with their level of appointment.

Key responsibilities will include: 

Lead and supervise a team of academic staff in the delivery of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies major within the Bachelor of Arts. It is expected that the incumbent will also undertake teaching.

In consultation with the Professor for Indigenous Education, provide leadership in the University’s program of incorporating Indigenous perspectives into teaching and learning across the University (where possible), including through collaboration with academic staff of other programs and schools on curriculum design and delivery.

Maintain a record of successful applications for internal and external research funding in a chief investigator role and mentor more junior academics and researchers.

Foster the Unit’s relations with industry, government departments, professional bodies and the wider community especially within Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.

For a full list of duties and responsibilities, as well as selection criteria,

This is a teaching & research position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s .

This is a full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 5 years, at Academic level D or E.

As this role is covered by an Enterprise Agreement, you will also receive regular remuneration increases – at least once a year.

The greater of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will also have access to 5 additional days of paid Cultural Leave, access to the UQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network and a variety of events signifying significant events throughout the year.

About You

Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Studies as an academic discipline.

Demonstrated knowledge of the concept of cultural competency and its application in a tertiary teaching and learning environment.

Proven leadership skills, and the ability to manage academic teams, preferably within a tertiary setting. 

The University of Queensland considers that being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991(Qld).

The position is therefore only open to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Successful candidates are required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

In addition, the following mandatory requirements apply:

Work Rights:  You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. 

Background Checks:  All final applicants for this position may be asked to consent to a criminal record check. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically barred from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits. 

 
Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Indigenous Education ( or Academic Director - ATSIS )

For application queries, please contact stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. For enquiries relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment please contact .
 

Want to Apply?  

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Resume

Cover letter

Responses to the ‘About You’ section

Other Information  

At UQ, we recognise that one of our greatest assets lies in the rich diversity of our colleagues, with an emphasis on the invaluable contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our enduring commitment is reflected in the creation of an inclusive environment that celebrates equity, diversity, and inclusion.

We are dedicated to continually attracting, retaining, and advancing colleagues who authentically represent the diversity within the broader community, while amplifying the voices and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We believe that their perspectives, knowledge, and traditions are vital to our academic and cultural tapestry.

At UQ, we prioritise accessibility and inclusivity for all, including our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues. We welcome and encourage discussions about accessibility requirements and necessary adjustments, recognising the importance of ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. For inquiries regarding accessibility, please reach out to . Together, we are committed to building a stronger, more diverse, and inclusive UQ community that values and respects the unique heritage and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

If you are a current employee (including casual staff and HDR scholars) or hold an unpaid/affiliate appointment, please login to your staff and visit the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do NOT apply via the external job board.