Overview
Operating within Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry, the Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow (Historical & Systematic Theology ) will conduct outstanding research as a member of the Program in Religion and Theology. Their area of specialty will lie broadly within contemporary theologies, with a focus in historical and systematic theologies, and Catholic theologies ecumenically conceived. The Religion and Theology program is home to scholars of historical and systematic theology, philosophical theology, philosophy of religion, Christian spiritualities, Catholic thought and practice, and the Catholic intellectual traditions. Much of our work is interdisciplinary and seeks to connect historical theological traditions and texts with contemporary realities.Examples of our current international research projects include 'Theologies of Catholicity' and 'Art Engaged Theology'. Recently concluded research projects include 'Spiritual Understanding in a Secular Age: Engaging Art as Religious Ritual'; 'Redeeming Autonomy: Agency, Vulnerability, and Relationality'. Our research seminar series in 2026 will explore contemporary theologies of sin and salvation. The Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow (Historical & Systematic Theology) will contribute to the research and teaching profile of the Institute, Faculty, and University. We seek applicants with demonstrable research expertise in both historical and systematic theology broadly conceived, as well as clear ability to put historical theological sources in dialogue with contemporary issues. We also seek candidates with demonstrable teaching expertise and communication skills.
The Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow (Historical & Systematic Theology) will carry out their own research leading to high-quality publications and will be expected to pursue career development in other domains of research activity including supervision of research students, applications for external grant income, and engagement and impact activities. In order to assist the successful applicant in developing a research profile that is competitive for attracting external funding, additional research time will be provided for the first two years of appointment (70% research / 20% teaching / 10% service), with the possibility of additional research time in year 3. Beyond that point, in the absence of other considerations such as external funding, a standard workload mix will apply in line with applicable university policy at that time.
Applicants will work collegially and collaboratively to build their own research and teaching profiles and contribute to team projects within their areas of specialisation and across traditional disciplinary boundaries as appropriate. They will be expected to contribute to the Program's collaborative activities, including seminars, reading groups, and workshops. They will also be expected to contribute to the collegial and scholarly life of the wider Institute and Faculty. The Institute includes scholars of Christian Theology, Early Christianity, Scripture and Religious Studies and we expect that applicants will be motivated to join a community of scholars interested in fostering and sustaining conversations between these different disciplines. Embedding inclusivity and diversity supports ACU's strategic vision to enable flourishing lives, foster thriving communities, and build an ethical future: we strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups.
For full position details, refer to the position description.
Responsibilities
- Carry out own research leading to high‑quality publications and pursue career development in other domains of research activity (supervision of research students, applications for external grant income, engagement and impact activities).
- Contribute to the research and teaching profile of the Institute, Faculty, and University.
- Collaborate to build research and teaching profiles across disciplines; contribute to seminars, reading groups, and workshops.
- Take part in the collegial and scholarly life of the Institute and Faculty.
- Work within the Program in Religion and Theology, contributing to the breadth of historical and systematic theology and ecumenical Catholic thought.
Qualifications
Demonstrable research expertise in historical and systematic theology broadly conceived, with the ability to put historical theological sources in dialogue with contemporary issues. Demonstrable teaching expertise and communication skills.
What We Offer
- Total remuneration valued to $142,635 - $168,220 total rem (pro rata) pa, including salary component $120,529 - $142,305 (pro rata) pa for Academic Level B (Research Fellow) and $178,414 - $193,705 total rem (pro rata) pa including salary component $151,018 - $164,087 (pro rata) pa for Academic Level C (Senior Research Fellow), with employer superannuation and annual leave loading.
- 17% employer superannuation contributions to eligible continuing and fixed-term staff.
- Annual leave loading of 17.5% of four weeks' salary pro rata, dependent on commencement date.
- Access to adaptable work, study leave, and various leave provisions and salary packaging. Learn more about benefits at ACU.
How To Apply
Step 1: Review the Position Description and become familiar with Our Mission and the Application process.
Step 2: Click the 'View Position Description and Apply' button, and populate your candidate application details, including:
- CV (maximum 5 pages).
- Responses to the Selection Criteria and Core Competencies in a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) or in the online Declaration and Criteria application page.
- Three year research plan (maximum 2 pages).
- Brief online responses to any pre-screening employment questions.
For the successful candidate currently based overseas, ACU will provide support for visa sponsorship.
Applications close: 05-NOV-2025 at 11:59pm AUS Eastern Standard Time.
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ACU is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and enables our people to reach their potential. ACU welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and lived experiences. ACU offers support for candidates that may require adjustments through the recruitment process. Please contact to discuss your requirements in confidence.
About ACU
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is an inclusive community which welcomes students and staff of all beliefs. ACU has over 2,500 staff supporting more than 34,000 students across eight campuses. ACU aspires to be a home for our staff, offering care and an academic and professional community. All staff are expected to understand ACU's mission and values and contribute to them.
ACU does not accept candidate applications submitted by external recruitment agencies through the ACU careers website.
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📌 Research/Senior Research Fellow(Historical & Systematic Theology)
🏢 Australian Catholic University
📍 Melbourne