Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Political Science/Public Policy/Indigenous Politics (Indigenous)

Company Description

Griffith University acknowledges the people who are the traditional custodians of the land and pays respect to Elders, past and present, and extends that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.

Griffith was created to be a different type of university.  You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

Griffith University is committed to increasing First Peoples employment across all campuses in both Academic and Professional roles. We proudly have:

• The fifth largest number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academic staff nationwide.
• The highest proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff of the Brisbane based Universities.

Job Description

The School of Government and International Relations is among the highest-ranked politics schools or departments in Australia. It has received the top ranking of 5, ‘Well above world standard,’ in Political Science/International Relations in the past three Excellence in Research for Australia exercises, dating to 2012. The School consistently ranks among the very top Australian departments for research productivity and external funding, and it ranked first in Queensland in the most recent Shanghai rankings. Our research expertise is leveraged in extensive engagement activities with government and civil society, and in dynamic learning and teaching that has garnered numerous university and external awards.

The School of Government and International Relations is seeking a an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander academic for the position of Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Political Science/Public Policy/Indigenous Politics.

In this position you will be expected to produce high-quality research, develop and teach courses in the fields of Political Science, Public Policy and Indigenous Politics and contribute to external engagement in line with their interests and expertise. You will also:

• Support high quality learning and teaching outcomes for students, in part by helping to ensure that the School’s undergraduate and graduate Indigenous students experience a safe, supportive and stimulating teaching environment;
• Undertake research that is publishable in leading peer-reviewed journals and university presses, and which has the potential to attract and generate competitive funding and achieve meaningful impact in the wider community.
• Contribute service to the School of Government and International Relations and develop impactful partnerships by actively engaging and collaborating with external stakeholders.

About you

What matters most is your drive to create a brighter future that benefits all. Through our core principles of excellence, ethics and engagement, you’ll thrive on seeing the direct and lasting impact you’ll have on every community and every future.

We are inviting applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander academics interested in a career at Griffith University. Your expertise and unique perspective will play a pivotal role in enriching our academic landscape and driving positive change. To be successful in this role, you will possess the following:

• A PhD in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or related field.
• A research record in the field of political science, international relations or public policy, ideally with an emphasis on Indigenous Politics.
• The ability to participate on external grant applications, independently or as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Teaching experience in undergraduate or postgraduate courses, ideally with substantial experience in engaging with Indigenous students.
• Experience of engagement and impact in the local, national or international community. Evidence of positive engagement with Indigenous communities or organisations will be highly regarded.

Candidates seeking to be appointed at the Senior Lecturer level should demonstrate the potential to attract external research funding, evidence of a competitive research track record consistent with discipline benchmarks, and experience in partnering and collaborating with leading institutions in their field.

The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8 (1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and s 105 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld). The position is therefore only open to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants:

1. of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
2. who identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; and
3. who are accepted by their community as being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

Applicants are required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Acceptable evidence includes:

• a Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent form executed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation with a common seal.

Applicants will be requested to provide a completed ‘Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent Form/Letter’ if they are shortlisted for this role.

The Griffith First Peoples Employment Partner is here to support you with this if need be. Please feel free to be in contact with the First Peoples Employment Partner, Bronwyn Horn at email: b.horn@griffith.edu.au at any stage of the application process if you have any questions.

What we can offer

This is a continuing, full-time position based at the Griffith University South Brisbane (Nathan) or Gold Coast campus. As Griffith is a multi-campus University you may be required to work across other campus locations.

Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range

The full time equivalent base salary for Lecturer, Level B will be $113,226 - $134,460 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $132,474 - $157,318 per annum

Additional Information

Why Griffith?

As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• 50% fee discount for work related post graduate Griffith degrees 
• Scholarships to Griffith's flagship MBA program
• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading

How to apply

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About You section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details
• Names and contact details of at least three professional referees (no contact will be made without your permission)

Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Professor Juliet Pietsch, Head of School, on email: j.pietsch@griffith.edu.au.

For application and recruitment advice, including any adjustments or accessibility requirements, please contact Kate Watson, Talent Acquisition Partner, at Kate.Watson@griffith.edu.au.

Closing date: Monday 23rd March 2026. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 2 – 3 weeks from the closing date