RMIT University Research Fellow 2026: Apply for the Technology Adoption & Social Change Position in Melbourne, Australia

Overview

RMIT University is recruiting a Research Fellow in Technology Adoption and Social Change in Melbourne, Australia. The post is a full-time, fixed-term appointment of four years at Academic Level B, with 17 percent superannuation and flexible working arrangements available. It is based mainly at the Melbourne CBD campus, though the holder may be required to work at other RMIT campuses. The requisition number is JR49996.

About the research

The Fellow joins the Technology Adoption and Social Change program within the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Intelligent Contaminant-Sensing in Complex Environments, known as IC-SensE. The hub received 4.75 million dollars through the 2025 round of the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Program and develops human-focused sensing technologies combined with artificial intelligence to assess contaminants in real time and help predict hazards. It brings together researchers in engineering, computer science, health, the built environment and social science, along with industry partners in areas such as medical devices, AI, energy, software and defence.

The Fellow will use human-centred social research methods to study how consumers and workers adopt sensing technologies. Topics include socially responsible design, user experience, data security, trustworthy representation of data and AI-enabled work practices. The role sits in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, with an affiliation to the Centre for Human-AI Information Environments.

Requirements

A PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant social sciences research field is mandatory. Applicants should show an emerging track record of quality research outputs, experience designing and conducting qualitative research, and familiarity with participatory or mixed methods. Experience engaging industry, government or community stakeholders, applying for and managing competitive research funding, and communicating with varied audiences is also expected, along with the ability to work independently and in teams.

Duties include producing publications, building research networks, translating findings into policy and practice, and possibly supervising higher degree by research candidates. Appointment depends on a Working with Children Check, a National Police Check and a gender-based violence declaration.

How to apply

Applications close on 15 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Candidates address the key selection criteria in the official position description. RMIT is an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with disability.