Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) - Bushfire Evacuation

Overview :

Full-time, Fixed Term position until July 2026

Academic Level B + 17% Superannuation

Based at the Melbourne CBD campus, and hybrid ways of working

About the role

As Research Fellow – Bushfire Evacuation, you will be primarily based within the School of Engineering but work closely with interdisciplinary teams across the university including the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies and the School of Computing Technologies to advance research on bushfire evacuation and emergency planning and preparedness in hazard events.

You will support the research aim and objectives of the ARC Future Fellowship project "Investigating Bushfire Evacuation Travel Behaviour in High-risk Communities" by engaging in critical behavioural research to better understand resident and tourist evacuation behaviour during bushfires, including the conduct of online surveys with bushfire survivors to study evacuee transport behaviour and the analysis of quantitative data, involving the development of statistical models.

Both domestic and international travel may be required as part of this role for data collection and participation in workshops, conferences and symposia to communicate research findings.

To be successful in this position, you will have to demonstrate :

Evidence of experience in social science research methods, especially quantitative research methods, and in particular, statistical modelling of survey and / or experimental data (e.g., structural equation modelling, discrete choice modelling, hybrid choice modelling).

Strong track record and recognition for quality research outputs which will contribute to existing Department and School research areas evidenced by publications, development of new research initiatives, competitive research funding, and industry links.

Ability to build effective networks with colleagues and generate alternative funding projects through effective liaison with industry and government.

Excellent interpersonal and communications skills appropriate for interacting with higher degree by research candidates, staff and industry, together with a strong commitment to teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Mandatory : PhD in a relevant field such as (but not limited to) the social sciences (e.g., psychology or sociology); urban studies; organisational studies; computational social science; or fire, civil or humanitarian engineering; or equivalent in relevant field.

Preferred : Strong track record in research on disaster preparedness, response and / or recovery (including a body of work published in their disciplinary background peer reviewed journals and presentations at relevant conferences / symposia)

Eligibility : Only applications that meet mandatory qualification requirements and clearly respond to each Key Selection Criteria will be considered.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Please Note : Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

About the Portfolio

The School of Engineering is one of the largest Engineering Schools in Australia. It has over 350 staff and 7000 students, including 750 HDR students. The School is committed to driving innovation and collaboration through our industry partnerships. Our industry partners range from small companies to multinational organisations and we work together on translating our research into impact for our partners and the wider community.

The School has six Departments :

Aerospace Engineering

Biomedical Engineering

Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Civil and Infrastructure Engineering

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Mechanical, Manufacturing and Mechatronics Engineering

Please click the link below to learn more about RMIT's commitment to improving female representation in STEMM – submit your CV, covering letter and response to the Key Selection Criteria for this position by clicking on the 'Apply' link at the top of this page.

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Dr. Erica Kuligowski (Principal Research Fellow (ARC future fellowship) via email

• Please do not send your application to this contact.

Position Description : Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) – Bushfire Evacuation

Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click 'apply' and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Li-Hybrid

Applications Close : 24 July 2025 11.59 pmRMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Isla n der community.

At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms) . To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, v ia

We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.

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