Role type: Fixed Term for 5 years, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
Department/School: Department of Rural Health, Melbourne Medical School
Salary: Level D/E attractive remuneration package negotiated commensurate with experience, plus 17% superannuation
Lead Indigenous health research, education and engagement / Drive community-informed impact and research excellence / Strengthen partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations
Build meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, health services and organisations across regional Victoria
Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.
Leadership opportunity
This role provides senior academic leadership for Indigenous health across research, education and engagement activities within the Department of Rural Health. Through strategic engagement with Indigenous communities, health services, government and sector partners, the position plays a key role in shaping priorities, strengthening partnerships and advancing Indigenous health outcomes across rural and regional Victoria.
The position offers the opportunity to advance Indigenous health through community-informed research, education and engagement, while contributing to the strategic direction of the Department, Melbourne Medical School and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
Based in Shepparton and operating across a network of regional communities and partners, the role supports the University's commitment to Indigenous leadership, rural health and community impact. The successful candidate may also undertake the responsibilities of Head of Department as part of the School leadership team.
Strategic priorities
Indigenous health leadership – Advance Indigenous health outcomes through community-informed research, education and engagement
Research excellence and capability – Lead impactful research programs and strengthen research capability, collaboration and funding success.
Community partnership and engagement – Build and sustain meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations and health services.
Education and workforce development – Contribute to teaching excellence, curriculum development and the development of future Indigenous health leaders.
Academic and organisational leadership – Support strategic planning, governance and the ongoing success of the Department of Rural Health.
About you
An Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander academic leader with an established record of achievement in Indigenous health, research, education or community leadership.
You bring demonstrated experience working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations, together with the ability to build trusted relationships and influence outcomes across academic, health, community and government settings.
You have a track record of leadership within complex organisations and are recognised for fostering culturally safe, inclusive and high-performing environments that support the success of students, staff and communities.
Committed to advancing Indigenous knowledge, strengthening Indigenous leadership and improving health outcomes, you bring the capability to contribute strategically across research, education, engagement and institutional priorities.
The Department of Rural Health
The Department of Rural Health is a leading centre for rural health education, research and community engagement. Operating across regional Victoria, the Department works in partnership with health services, communities and government to improve health outcomes and strengthen the rural health workforce.
Through strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations, the Department is committed to advancing Indigenous health, supporting culturally safe practice and creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous leadership and impact.
Working at the University of Melbourne
We offer the opportunity to contribute within a leading global university environment, supported by flexible work arrangements, generous leave provisions, salary packaging and comprehensive health and wellbeing programs that enable sustainable senior academic leadership.
For more information check out our benefits page!
Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace where diversity is valued and all individuals are supported to succeed. Applications are welcomed from people of all backgrounds and identities. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.
We are committed to providing a barrier-free recruitment process and workplace adjustments for candidates and employees. Information on accessible recruitment and workplace adjustments is available via the University of Melbourne careers site: Accessible recruitment and adjustments
We actively support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and encourage engagement with the Indigenous Employment and Development team.
Application essentials:
Applications should include submission of a curriculum vitae, cover letter and responses to the selection criteria outlined in the Candidate Information Pack.
This position is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only.
A Working with Children Check is required for this position. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse associated costs.
Refer to “ Apply with Us ” for application guidance.
Further information
Applications close: Sunday 12th July 2026 11:55 PM Melbourne time zone.
Candidate Information Pack: JR-012824_Professor of Indigenous Health_PD.pdf
