- Collaborate with project researchers and specialists on a range of materiality studies.
- Complete three months of rock art fieldwork each year.
- Full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 4 years.
- Base salary range: Level B, $118,150 – $139,812 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.
About the area
The School of Social Sciences offers a rich learning and research environment spanning social and cultural studies in Australia and the world. The School supports undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs in seven Departments: Anthropology, Archaeology, Geography, Languages, Communication, Political Science and International Relations. The academic staff members are not only dedicated teachers but also internationally renowned scholars and researchers who are experts in their field.
Archaeology has a vibrant research culture with internationally recognised researchers in a range of areas such as the archaeology of Indigenous Australia, rock art, heritage studies and maritime archaeology. The Archaeology Department teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in archaeology and forensics. The Centre for Rock Art Research + Management (CRAR+M) is a UWA Centre of Research Excellence with a collaborative research program with multiple Aboriginal communities and other stakeholders to enhance rock art research and management within Western Australia.
Pilbara Dreaming: Rock Art, Water and Heritage Futures will demonstrate the critical role that Pilbara rock art has in the peopling and maintenance of the arid zone of Australia, from 50,000 years ago to the present. The interconnectivity of creation stories, art and water provides a unique lens on intergenerational knowledge transmission and cultural connections. The Pilbara’s mineral wealth is crucial to Australia’s economy, yet there is no heritage conservation strategy to protect this region’s cultural assets. This collaboration with Aboriginal Traditional Owners will reform policy and lead to improved conservation of heritage places of global significance.
About the opportunity
- Make a significant contribution to understanding diachronic and synchronic symbolic behaviours at the national level.
- Key responsibilities include synthesis of background literature, participation in the schedule of fieldwork with 12 native title groups with a focus on rock art documentation, mobilise research content as part of the research team and develop stand-alone and collaborative research outputs around materiality and style, pigment recipes and dating.
- Work with support and guidance from senior Research Collaborators, and contribute to workshops, community meetings with Traditional Owners and Rangers, and develop co-presentations and publications.
About you
- PhD in Archaeology specialising in rock art.
- A strong track record of excellence in research at a national level evidenced by a series of peer-reviewed journal articles published in high quality journals.
- Experience with FileMaker and Fulcrum data collection software and Adobe Lightroom for processing of photographic imagery collected during fieldwork.
- Experience with data analysis using software such as R for statistical analysis, including spatial statistics, 14C calibration, and site pattern recognition.
- Commitment to increasing Aboriginal peoples’ roles managing their own heritage.
Note: Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations. A “C” class driver’s licence, 4WD off-road driving certificate, and Remote First Aid Certificate will be required by the successful applicant.
Position description: PD - Research Fellow (523059).pdf
To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Jo McDonald at jo.mcdonald@uwa.edu.au
How to apply
Please apply online via the Apply Now button and address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria.
You may submit a statement describing any personal circumstances relevant to your application. This can include academic/professional interruptions or achievements relative to opportunity.
Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Friday, 1 May 2026.
This position is open to international applicants.
About the University
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.
Learn more about us.
Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.
If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.
If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at people@uwa.edu.au with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.