Research Fellow - Australian History

Job No.: 698229

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Fixed-term, Full-time

Duration: 4 years fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: $123,138 - $146,228 pa Level B (plus 17% employer superannuation)

• Amplify your impact at a world top 50 University
• Join our inclusive, collaborative community
• Be surrounded by extraordinary ideas - and the people who discover them

The Opportunity

Are you a passionate historian or researcher ready to make a ground-breaking impact on Australian history? Join an esteemed team of scholars on an innovative Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project dedicated to producing Australia’s first comprehensive history of disability.

This dynamic full time Research Fellow position uniquely combines high-impact historical research (0.6 FTE) with vital project management (0.4 FTE), offering you the chance to drive key academic outputs while leading the operational success and public engagement of a landmark research initiative.

What You Will Do

Research Impact (0.6 FTE)

• Uncover Vital History: Conduct essential, complex historical research into Australian disability services from 1945 to the mid-1980s, filling critical gaps in scholarly knowledge.

• Publish and Collaborate: Lead scholarly outputs by publishing at least two peer-reviewed journal articles and contributing to a landmark co-authored monograph.

• Academic Community: Contribute to conference papers, research proposals, and broader academic discourse alongside leading investigators Dr Kate Murphy, Emeritus Prof. John Murphy, Emeritus Prof. Alistair Thomson, Assoc. Prof. Lorna Hallahan, and Prof. Elizabeth Tilley.

Project Leadership and Management (0.4 FTE)

• Drive Success: Oversee day-to-day project operations to ensure seamless execution, releasing time for Chief and Partner Investigators to focus on key outputs.

• Event and Communication Management: Manage project correspondence and website content, and organise major public and academic events, including writing workshops and symposia.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Assist in executing the project’s Research Stakeholder Engagement Strategy to build strong community and sector connections.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a collegiate, highly organised Level B Research Academic with a passion for social and historical research. 

Scholars with disability are particularly encouraged to apply: the selection committee will prioritise applicants with lived experience of disability.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Education: A Ph.D in History (or equivalent research experience).

• Research Expertise: Demonstrated experience in historical/scholarly research, manuscript preparation, and a strong track record of refereed publications.

• Project and Event Management Skills: Proven organisational abilities to run project operations, coordinate stakeholders, and organise events seamlessly.

• Collaborative Mindset: A strong track record of working effectively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team.

• Communication: Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with advanced digital/computer proficiency.

Why Apply?

• Be Part of Something Historic: Contribute directly to a national project that redefines Australia's understanding of disability, inclusion, and social history.

• Collaborate with Renowned Scholars: Work closely with leading academic figures in history and social policy.

• Develop Your Academic Career: Strengthen both your publication portfolio and high-level project management credentials.

About Monash University

At Monash, work feels different. There’s a sense of belonging, from contributing to something groundbreaking – a place where great things happen.

We value difference and diversity. That’s why we champion an inclusive and respectful workplace culture where everyone is supported to succeed.

Some 20,000 staff work for Monash around the world. We have 95,000 students, four Australian campuses, and campuses in Malaysia and Indonesia. We also have a major presence in India and China, and a significant centre and research foundation in Italy.

In our short history, we have skyrocketed through global university rankings and established ourselves consistently among the world's best tertiary institutions. We rank in the world’s top-50 universities in rankings including the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Together with our commitment to academic freedom, you will have access to quality research facilities, infrastructure, world-class teaching spaces, and international collaboration opportunities. 

Learn more about Monash.

Today, we have the momentum to create the future we need for generations to come. Accelerate your change here. 

Monash supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements. We have a range of policies in place enabling staff to combine work and personal commitments. This includes supporting parents.

To Apply

For instructions on how to apply, please refer to 'How to apply for Monash Jobs'. Your application must address the Key Selection Criteria.

Diversity is one of our greatest strengths at Monash. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process at Monash. If you need any reasonable adjustments, please contact us at hr-recruitment@monash.edu in an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments Request' for a confidential discussion.

Your employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all pre-employment and/or background checks required for the role, as determined by the University.

Enquiries: Dr. Kate Murphy, Senior Lecturer, Department of History, +61 3 9905 1184 or kate.murphy@monash.edu 

Position Description: Research Fellow - History

Applications Close: Sunday 18th October 2026, 11:55pm AEDT

Please submit your application as soon as possible for this fabulous opportunity to join Monash University. Interviews will be held as strong applicants are identified. Applications will close when the role has been filled.