Research Assistant, Urban Visual Governance

Role type: Part-time (.3 FTE); Fixed-term until 11 March 2029
Faculty: Architecture, Building and Planning
Department: Melbourne Centre for Cities 
Salary: Level A: AUD $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. (pro rata) plus 17% super

• ARC-funded Urban Visual Governance project / hands-on fieldwork with graffiti writers and city image managers / collaborative urban research community
• Apply now to advance innovative urban visual governance research and shape more inclusive public image policies in Australian cities.
• 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 
In this role, you will deepen your expertise in urban visual culture and governance across Australian cities. You will conduct qualitative fieldwork, interviewing graffiti writers, removers, and city image managers, and engaging diverse community stakeholders. You will contribute to an ARC-funded project while developing your own interdisciplinary urban research pathways.

What you will deliver: 

• Collaborate with the DECRA Fellow to plan, deliver, and refine the Urban Visual Governance research program.
• Coordinate and contribute to literature reviews, policy analyses, case studies, and empirical research on graffiti management in Australia.
• Design and support project workshops, events, and exhibitions that share findings with academic and public audiences.
• Build relationships with local governments, artists, and community groups to maximise research impact and policy relevance.
• Present project outputs at seminars, symposia, and conferences, and contribute actively to ABP and Melbourne Centre for Cities activities.

You may be a great fit if you: 

• Hold a completed postgraduate degree in Urban Studies, Arts, Visual Culture, Geography, or related Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines.
• Bring an emerging research profile in urban communication, geography, social sciences, public art, or visual urban cultures.
• Demonstrate experience using qualitative and visual methods, including policy analysis, interviews, ethnography, and focus groups.
• Excel at synthesising academic and grey literature into clear written summaries and reviews, tailored to varied audiences and stakeholders.
• Possess strong organisational skills, delivering high-quality work to deadlines while managing competing project demands.
• Use digital tools confidently, including Microsoft Office, research databases, design software, and reference management systems.

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 and cultural 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
You will join the Melbourne Centre for Cities within the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning. Our open-plan shared workspace hosts a welcoming community of urban researchers who collaborate daily on diverse city challenges. You will enjoy regular morning teas, informal exchanges, and opportunities to co-create research beyond the core project. The Centre actively supports self-directed research, interdisciplinary learning, and meaningful partnerships with policy, practice, and communities.

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 [email protected].

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume (no more than 2 pages) along with a 2-page cover letter addressing the selection criteria. We ask that these documents be prepared without the assistance of generative AI.

Want to know more?

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Brett Verity at [email protected]
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Position Description