Research Fellow for the Future Cemetery

RESEARCH FELLOW - THE FUTURE CEMETERY

Job no: 0049034

Work type: Fixed Term

Location: Parkville

Division/Faculty: Melbourne School of Engineering

Department/School: School of Computing and Information Systems

Salary: $72,083 - $97,812 (Level A)

Role & Superannuation rate: Academic - Part time - 9.5% super

About University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked among the leading universities in the world, at number 1 in Australia and number 32 in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2017-2018).  We are globally engaged, comprehensive, research-intensive and committed to responding to the major challenges of our time.

About Melbourne School of Engineering (MSE)
Working at MSE is exciting and fast moving. We are working hard to transform engineering and IT research and teaching, guided by MSE 2025, our ten-year strategic plan. With an expected investment of $1 billion in people and infrastructure, we are creating the entrepreneurial leaders and technology of the future.

About the School Computing and Information Systems
The School of Computing & Information Systems (CIS) undertakes research and teaching across a range of information technology disciplines including Software Engineering, Information Systems, and Computer Science. It offers a comprehensive range of IT courses at all levels, including offerings in science, engineering, and business, and is at the forefront of computing research in Australia and internationally with close links to major computing research initiatives, including Melbourne Bioinformatics, IBM Research and DATA61 (formerly NICTA).

About this Opportunity
We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to work on an ARC funded project called ‘The Future Cemetery’ which aims to identify and critically assess the potential of innovative technologies to enhance the experience of the cemetery for an increasingly diverse, secular, and well-informed public, and to strengthen cemeteries’ community connections.

The aim being to generate knowledge about the industry’s and the public’s future-oriented desires through an interdisciplinary, collaborative, and evidence-based assessment of emerging cemetery-based technologies including mobile apps, GPS systems, drones, holography, virtual reality, green burials, and resonation.

A key expected outcome is a future cemetery that makes sensitive use of technology to enhance its services to public and community, underpinned by scholarly research.

You will work collaboratively with a team of four Chief Investigators, two Partner Investigators, and industry collaborators from the Australian cemeteries sector.

Your work will include:
•    general project management
•    review of relevant scholarly literature
•    data collection, analysis and management
•    prototype design and evaluation
•    contributing to research outcomes through conference presentation
•    co-writing of peer-reviewed publications.

The position will be based at the University of Melbourne in the School of Computing and Information Systems (Interaction Design Lab). However, the incumbent will also be working with team members from the Schools of Historical and Philosophical Studies, Culture and Communication, Social and Political Sciences, and the Anthropology discipline at the University of Oxford

About You:
You will be able to demonstrate:

• PhD (or near completion) in a relevant discipline, or equivalent qualification
• Record of quality research as evidenced by research publications in leading conferences and journals, commensurate with opportunity
• Ability to conduct qualitative fieldwork and design research in sensitive settings
• Demonstrated ability to manage research projects with minimal supervision, including: high level organisational and time management skills; ability to manage competing priorities; and, excellent record keeping skills
• Excellent ability to work co-operatively in a multi-disciplinary team environment and liaise with stakeholders from both industry and academia
• Excellent ability in analysing data, problem solving & maintaining accurate research records
• Demonstrate capacity to communicate research concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated by presentation of research results at conferences, internal forums and through manuscript submissions
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders

While not essential, the following skills or experience are also highly desirable:

• Understanding of contemporary scholarship around the study of death, dying, or disposal
• Strong disciplinary background in the Social Studies of Technology and/or Media Studies and/or Anthropology and/or Human-Computer Interaction
• Strong familiarity with quantitative research methods
• Skills in developing technology prototypes
• A valid Victorian drivers licence.

What we offer you
We offer flexibility, whatever that may mean for you.  Many of our benefit programs and onsite amenities are aimed at supporting you - including generous leave, child care subsidies, discounted parking, medical and health care.  We offer extensive opportunities for personal and professional development and we’ll support you in doing what you love.

If you’re curious, motivated and ready to undertake a challenging and rewarding role we’re ready to meet you.

How to Apply
Apply online, complete the application and upload your Cover Letter and Resume.

While we review your application, get to know us by visiting http://www.eng.unimelb.edu.au/about/join-mse/why-join-mse

Position Description

In your application, please refer to Polytechnicpositions.com