Doreen Thomas Fellowship

Multiple, Continuing Academic Appointments - Doreen Thomas Fellowships

• Applying a special measure in line with section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (VIC), the Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology invites applications only from suitably qualified candidates who identify as women, this includes cis, trans gender women and non-binary. 

• Located in Melbourne, Australia 

• Academic Level B (Lecturer) to E (Professor), subject to qualifications/ and experience. 

$119,231- $141,581 p.a. (Level B - Lecturer),

$146,050 - $168,403 p.a. (Level C – Senior Lecturer),

$175,858 - $193,740 p.a. (Level D – Associate Professor),

$226,517 pa (Level E- Professor) plus 17% super 

• Applications for part-time or other flexible working arrangements will be welcomed and will be fully considered subject to meeting the inherent requirements of the position. 

• Prospective internal applicants are advised to discuss their interest in the Fellowship with the relevant Department Head in FEIT, prior to submitting their application.  

The University of Melbourne stands as a consistent frontrunner among global academic institutions. Renowned for its comprehensive approach to education and research, we are deeply engaged on a global scale.

The exploration of ideas, thought leadership and curiosity is fundamental to our teaching and research performance. Improving the representation of women and other underrepresented groups is necessary in our goal to innovate and to strengthen FEIT’s reputation as a world-class centre of research. We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment where everyone can feel empowered to achieve their aspirations. 

Building upon the success of the inaugural launch in 2019, we take great pride in announcing the upcoming intake of Doreen Thomas Fellowships. As a Doreen Thomas Fellow, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of engineering and IT. You will have the opportunity to lead high-quality research projects, collaborate across disciplines and engage with industry partners to translate discoveries into tangible solutions. 

The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT) upholds a steadfast commitment to fostering diversity and embracing flexibility in the workplace. Recognising the imperative of enhancing gender representation, we strive to cultivate an environment that champions innovation and bolsters our standing as a premier hub for research and education.

About Emeritus Professor Doreen Thomas

“Emeritus Professor Doreen Thomas is a leading academic whose work has spanned the fields of mathematics and electrical and mechanical engineering. Her career at the University of Melbourne has lasted over 40 years and practical applications of her research have had significant commercial impact. 

Doreen is a powerful advocate for women in engineering and mathematics. She chairs the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Forum at the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.”

In 2024 the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology will celebrate Doreen Thomas’ achievements and contributions to our community by offering multiple Doreen Thomas Fellowships within the following research areas:

• The School of Computing and Information Systems (CIS):

Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, and Information Systems.

• The School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering (CBE):

Sustainability & Circular Economy, Pharmaceutical processing, Food & Food Waste Engineering, Biomaterials, Biomechanics & Mechanobiology, Neural Engineering, Biomedical Imaging, Systems & Synthetic Biology.

• The School of Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering (EMI):

Infrastructure Engineering: Civil, Environmental or Digital Infrastructure (Geomatic) Engineering with a priority on Indoor Environment and Sustainable Buildings.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering: A priority on Terahertz Technologies or Computational Systems for Infectious Diseases.

The Opportunity

• Doreen Thomas Fellows will be provided in the initial three years of employment a research-focussed role, to dedicate to the acceleration of research. Following the initial three years, Fellows will transition to an underlying continuing education and research appointment.  

• Fellows will immerse themselves in cutting-edge research areas listed above, with a strong emphasis on research acceleration. Fellows will build robust research portfolios and engage in multidisciplinary collaborations.

• Fellows will benefit from a negotiated start-up package to support project costs; equipment needs and travel.

Key Selection Criteria

• A record of quality research as evidenced by publications in leading journals and at conferences commensurate with opportunity.

• Ability to perform independent research with a commitment to interdisciplinary research.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated by presentation of research results at conferences, internal forums and through manuscript submissions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Have completed a PhD in a relevant field. 

• Experience in coordinating research projects and delivering lectures and tutorials.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• See position description attached for further information.

Application requirements

Your current CV outlining your relevant experience to the academic position, research and teaching track record, and a list of research outputs in the following order:

• Authored books  

• Edited books  

• Book chapters  

• Refereed journal articles  

• Fully referenced conference papers  

• Other publication outputs  

Statement of Research (2 pages)  

Describe your research achievements and contributions to date. Describe how your research has led to significant change or advance of knowledge in your field and other impact. Outline how your achievements will contribute to FEIT and/or this Fellowship.  

Explain the contribution and significance of your publications within the context of your discipline/s. This may include the importance/esteem of specific journals in your field and/or specific indicators of recognition within your field such as first authorship/ citations.  

Describe your research supervision track record by outlining your role and student outcome and results.

Research Project Proposal (2 pages)

Outline a research project proposal, using the following headings:  

• Aims and Background  

• Methods  

• Expected Outcomes  

• Potential Impact and relevance to research area in the host department/school  

• Funding opportunities  

• Reference list  

Statement of Education (1-2 pages)  

Provide a statement of teaching and learning, summarising your approach to quality teaching and its relation to your research. Include information about: 

• Prior teaching experience and any outcomes [explaining the subject course, innovations in approach, your involvement and role].  

• Potential teaching [what subjects would you like to teach and why]

• Outline your approach to teaching pedagogy towards student centred learning and innovations that you seek to develop and implement.

Engagement (up to 200 words)  

Describe your engagement with external partners, government and not for profit agencies in your research and/or teaching activities and their significance to your initiatives.

What we offer you