Role type: Part time (0.4 FTE); Fixed Term - February to December 2026
Faculty: Architecture, Building and Planning
Department: Melbourne Centre for Cities
Salary: Research Assistant - $79,677 - $87,266 p.a. (pro-rata) plus 17% super
* Engage in transformative urban research / Collaborate with leading experts / Enhance data analytics and visualisation skills
* Apply now to contribute to innovative urban research projects, enhancing data-driven insights for global city challenges.
* Investing in you - 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
As a Research Assistant at the Melbourne Centre for Cities, you will play a pivotal role in supporting urban research projects that address critical challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. You will have the opportunity to enhance your skills in data analytics, knowledge translation, and visualisation while collaborating with esteemed partners. This role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact on urban development and sustainability.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Support Literature Reviews and Data Synthesis: Coordinate and contribute to literature reviews and synthesise urban data, including quantitative and spatial data.
* Contribute to Research Reports: Assist in the creation of Centre-led research reports and peer-reviewed papers on urban themes.
* Enhance GIS Mapping and Visualisation: Support projects involving GIS mapping, spatial narratives, and quantitative data analysis.
* Maintain Compliance and Professionalism: Follow University policies, ensure safety standards, and demonstrate respect for diversity and collaboration.
You may be a great fit if:
You will have a strong foundation in urban studies or related disciplines, with excellent skills in data analysis, report writing, and collaboration, ready to contribute to cutting-edge urban research.
You may also:
* Be nearing completion or have completed a degree in Environment, Data Science, Economics, Arts, Urban Studies/Planning, Geography, or a related field.
* Possess excellent skills in quantitative, qualitative, and spatial data analysis methods, including GIS and NVivo.
* Have experience synthesising knowledge from databases and literature to produce comprehensive reports.
* Demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office, design software, and reference management tools.
* Exhibit strong organisational skills and professionalism, with the ability to manage multiple tasks independently.
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 fulfillment, including:
* Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
* Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
* Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
* Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program
For more information check out our benefits page
Your new team - The Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning
The Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning is the leading educational and research institution in the Asia-Pacific region addressing the design and realisation of inhabited environments. It actively seeks to extend the linkages between education, research and practice in the built environment, and maintains excellent and extensive relationships with members of the built environment professions, government, professional associations and the wider community.
The Faculty has over 200 staff and 3000 students, one third of whom are international. It is responsible for the undergraduate Bachelor of Design degree, and offers majors in architecture, landscape architecture, property, construction, and urban planning.
The Faculty's graduate school, the Melbourne School of Design (MSD), teaches accredited masters courses across the professional disciplines of Architecture, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture, Property, Urban Design and Urban Planning.
Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.
The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods. To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Bec Tucker or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to hr- You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.
For further information, including our Indigenous strategy please visit -
If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at oied-
Working at the University - what you need to know
This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.
Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.
Join Us and unlock your career potential
Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today Including the following documents:
* Resume
* Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
* The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)
^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to
If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Brett Verity via email at hr-, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.
If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.
Position Description: JR Research Assistant - Urban