Funding opportunities

CACHE Early Career Indigenous Australian Research Fellowship

2022 Funding Round

Award: up to $5000
Award Type: Part-time HDR, postdoctoral, or heritage/environment professional Indigenous Australian research fellow of CACHE
Location: Wallumattagal Campus, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Dharug Country; flexible modes of engagement also available
Length: Three weeks to six months (must be completed by 15^th December 2022)

HDR, postdoctoral or heritage/environment professional fellowship for a dynamic and enthusiastic Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person with research skills to work with members of the Centre for Ancient Cultural Heritage and Environment (CACHE) in the fields of archaeological science, cultural heritage, and/or environmental heritage.

The Role

The Centre for Ancient Cultural Heritage and Environment (CACHE) is seeking an Early Career Indigenous Australian Research Fellow to contribute to Macquarie University’s current research in the areas of archaeological science, cultural heritage, and/or environmental heritage. The recipient will be expected to undertake work towards a research project that will result in the submission of a publication before the end of the year that can be scaled towards a grant application within the next twelve months. For the duration of the fellowship, the recipient will also be expected to participate in seminars, workshops, and other activities of CACHE (either on campus or remotely, as appropriate), seek consultation with CACHE members, mentor HDRs, and develop a profile as an independent researcher. We will support you to achieve these goals through mentorship by your CACHE sponsor and the leadership team.

This fellowship forms part of our key objective to support the training and progression of early career researchers, including those of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background who will actively contribute to the study of any aspect of cultural and environmental heritage through Indigenous knowledges and perspectives.

About You

You will be a highly motivated Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person with a developing research track record (relative to opportunity) who has either completed or is working towards a PhD or research Masters (MPhil/MRes) in archaeological science, cultural heritage, environmental heritage, or a related field OR is a heritage/environment professional. You will pursue a research project in collaboration with a CACHE member related to analysing and understanding the material evidence for any aspect of cultural heritage and/or human interactions with past environments.

About Us

CACHE is a university centre for collaborative research into the cultural heritage and environmental knowledge of past peoples, including Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. CACHE brings transdisciplinary researchers into conversation with each other to answer the critical question: what can we learn from the past? By bridging disciplinary gaps, we aim to provide new and more holistic insights into preceding cultural and environmental conditions and to articulate their relevance for today’s world.

CACHE seeks to collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to further understand, respect, and apply Indigenous knowledges and perspectives to the study of the past. We also seek to engage with industry and commercial stakeholders through project partnership and consultation.

Macquarie University is engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation 58 years ago, we’ve grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community, which includes Walanga Muru and the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy). Our Indigenous Strategy guides our whole of university approach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ success through the initiatives of Baduwa (Aspire), Manawari (Discover), and Djurali (Evolve).

CACHE members come from across Macquarie University, with a concentration of expertise in the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science and Engineering including environmental scientists, archaeologists, biologists, social scientists, and historians. We strive to include higher degree and early career researchers within our ambit and provide opportunities for their academic development and inclusion.

CACHE’s members are united in the spirit of interdisciplinary discovery. Our research is gaining global recognition for its innovative approach to learning from the past to address problems of the present and future, especially in the areas of cultural heritage and environment. CACHE is housed in the new Arts Precinct, along with the Macquarie University History Museum. Explore the CACHE website.

We are an equal opportunity employer who is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are living with disabilities, of diverse gender and sexuality, mature aged workers, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply.

As a CACHE Early Career Indigenous Research Fellow, you will have access to Macquarie University’s GP clinic, either Student Wellbeing services or the Employee Assistance Program (depending on if you are a student, postdoc, or professional), and occasional childcare services.

Use of Funds

CACHE recognises the diverse needs of HDRs, postdocs, and professional researchers as well as the expanding modes through which quality research activities can take place. As such, the awarded funds can be used for any activities that allow the recipient to undertake their proposed work, providing these are clearly outlined in the application budget. This includes, but is not limited to, domestic travel, accommodation, field or lab work, access to archives or other facilities, publication, equipment, childcare, and primary carer services for those who are carers themselves or who require care. All or part of the funds may also be taken as a stipend while the fellow is in residence with CACHE.

To Apply

First, please seek the support of a CACHE member who is willing to be named as your sponsor. Then submit your application to the CACHE Centre Manager, Hannah Vogel, by email to cache@mq.edu.au, including:

Covering letter addressing the essential criteria for the position (maximum 1 page).
If HDR, a testamur for your highest attained degree (if you have not yet graduated, a statement from your HDR supervisor may be attached to certify that you have completed your degree).
If postdoctoral, a testamur for your PhD (if you have not yet graduated, a statement from your PhD supervisor may be attached to certify that you have passed examination).
If professional, a letter from your employer indicating their support of your application.
Curriculum Vitae (including any conference/seminar/workshop participation, committee or community involvement, commercial/industry experience, and publications).
Completed Research Proposal Form (link to download below).

Applications will be reviewed by a panel that will include Indigenous Australian voices.

Essential Criteria

Based in Australia.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person with a demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander values, connections, and cultures. Macquarie University considers that being Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under Section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
Academic applicants must have a completed or in progress PhD, MPhil/MRes, or equivalent research intensive qualification, in a relevant field of archaeological science, cultural heritage, environmental heritage, or other relevant discipline. If completed, degree must have been conferred no more than five years prior to the application closing date. Applicants who have received their degree more than five years ago but who can demonstrate a significant and commensurate period of career interruption (due to, for example, medical conditions, maternity/parental leave, child rearing, carer responsibility, unemployment or non-research employment, relevant cultural expectations or circumstances, or disruption caused by COVID-19) may be considered eligible. Justification for any career interruption can be provided in the application (see Research Proposal Form).
Professional applicants must be employed by an Australian heritage/environmental entity.
Sponsorship from a CACHE member.
Demonstrated quality research/scholarship and/or work experience in an area of archaeology, cultural heritage, and/or environmental heritage, with a developing portfolio of publications (relative to opportunity). Justification for any achievement relative to opportunity factors can be provided in the application (see Research Proposal Form).
Good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to seek and provide mentorship.
Experience of working across the humanities and sciences.

Macquarie University maintains strict control over all research activities involving human or animal participants, and work in which issues of biosafety are involved. The successful proposal will be subject to research ethics/biosafety approval, if applicable (see Research Proposal Form).

CACHE reserves the right to not award the fellowship if no suitable candidates apply.

Specific role enquiries

Hannah Vogel, Centre Manager, cache@mq.edu.au

Researchers who believe they may meet the criteria for the fellowship but feel unable to apply due to eligibility requirements or other barriers should contact the Centre Manager.

Applications close

Sunday 4^th September 2022

Download Research Proposal Form

Download an accessible PDF copy of these guidelines

Macquarie University recognises the custodianship of the land on which our campus is situated — the Wallumattagal clan of the Dharug Nation — and pays respect to their Aboriginal Elders past, present and future.

Macquarie University is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. We value individual difference and recognise the strength of a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive workforce where the backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of our staff are a driving force for collaboration, innovation, and impact.

We work to ensure equality of opportunity for people regardless of their age, bodily differences, caring responsibilities, cultural background, gender identity, neurodiversity, and/or sexual orientation.

CACHE Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

2022 Funding Round is now closed

Award: up to $5000
Award Type: Part-time postdoctoral research fellow of CACHE
Location: Wallumattagal Campus, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Dharug Country; flexible modes of engagement also available
Length: Three weeks to six months (must be completed by 15^th December 2022)

Postdoctoral fellowship for a dynamic and enthusiastic early career scholar with research skills to work with members of the Centre for Ancient Cultural Heritage and Environment (CACHE) in the fields of archaeological science, cultural heritage, and/or environmental heritage.

The Role

The Centre for Ancient Cultural Heritage and Environment (CACHE) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to enhance Macquarie University’s current research projects in the area of archaeological science, cultural heritage, and/or environmental heritage. The recipient will be expected to undertake work towards a research project that will result in the submission of a publication before the end of the year and scaled towards a grant application within the next twelve months. For the duration of the fellowship, the recipient will also be expected to participate in seminars, workshops, and other activities of CACHE (either on campus or remotely, as appropriate), seek consultation with CACHE members, mentor HDRs, and develop a research profile as an independent researcher. We will support you to achieve these goals through mentorship by your CACHE sponsor and the leadership team.

This fellowship forms part of our key objective to support the training and progression of early career researchers who will actively contribute to the study of cultural and environmental heritage.

About You

You will be a highly motivated academic based in Australia with a PhD in the fields of archaeological science, cultural heritage, environmental heritage, or a related field and with a strong research track record (relative to opportunity). You will pursue a postdoctoral research project related to analysing and understanding the material evidence for cultural heritage and/or a past culture’s interactions with its environment.

About Us

CACHE is a university centre for collaborative research into the cultural heritage and environmental knowledge of past peoples, including Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. CACHE brings transdisciplinary researchers into conversation with each other to answer the critical question: what can we learn from the past? By bridging disciplinary gaps, we aim to provide new and more holistic insights into preceding cultural and environmental conditions and to articulate their relevance for today’s world.

CACHE seeks to collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to further understand, respect, and apply Indigenous knowledges and perspectives to the study of the past. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. We also seek to engage with industry and commercial stakeholders through project partnership and consultation.

Our members come from across Macquarie University, with a concentration of expertise in the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science and Engineering including environmental scientists, archaeologists, biologists, social scientists, and historians. We strive to include higher degree and early career researchers within our ambit and provide opportunities for their academic development and inclusion.

CACHE’s members are united in the spirit of interdisciplinary discovery. Our research is gaining global recognition for its innovative approach to learning from the past to address problems of the present and future, especially in the areas of cultural heritage and environment. CACHE is housed in the new Arts Precinct, along with the Macquarie University History Museum. Explore the CACHE website.

Macquarie University is engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation 58 years ago, we’ve grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We are an equal opportunity employer who is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage people who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, those living with disabilities, people of diverse gender and sexuality, mature aged workers, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply.

As CACHE Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will have access to Macquarie University’s GP clinic, either Student Wellbeing services or the Employee Assistance Program (depending on if you are a student, postdoc or professional), and occasional childcare services.

Use of Funds

CACHE recognises the diverse needs of postdoctoral researchers as well as the expanding modes through which quality research activities can take place. As such, the awarded funds can be used for any activities that allow the recipient to undertake their proposed work, providing these are clearly outlined in the application budget. This includes, but is not limited to, domestic travel, accommodation, field or lab work, access to archives or other facilities, publication, equipment, childcare, and primary carer services for those who are carers themselves or who require care. All or part of the funds may also be taken as a stipend.

To Apply

First, please seek the support of a CACHE member who is willing to be named as your sponsor. Then submit your application to the CACHE Centre Manager, Hannah Vogel, by email to cache@mq.edu.au, including:

Covering letter addressing the essential criteria for the position (maximum 1 page).
Testamur for your PhD (if you have not yet graduated, a statement from your PhD supervisor may be attached to certify that you have passed your examination).
Curriculum Vitae (including any conference/seminar/workshop participation, committee or community involvement, commercial/industry experience, and publications).
Completed Research Proposal Form (link to download below).

Essential Criteria

Based in Australia.
PhD in a relevant field of archaeological science, cultural heritage, environmental heritage, or other relevant discipline, conferred no more than five years prior to the application closing date. Applicants who have received their PhD more than five years ago but who can demonstrate a significant and commensurate period of career interruption (due to, for example, medical conditions, maternity/parental leave, child rearing, carer responsibility, unemployment or non-research employment, relevant cultural expectations or circumstances, or disruption caused by COVID-19) may be considered eligible. Justification for any career interruption can be provided in the application (see Research Proposal Form).
Sponsorship from a CACHE member.
Demonstrated quality research/scholarship in an area of archaeology, cultural heritage, and/or environmental heritage, with a developing portfolio of publications (relative to opportunity). Justification for any achievement relative to opportunity factors can be provided in the application (see Research Proposal Form).
Good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to seek and provide mentorship.
Experience of working across the humanities and sciences.

Macquarie University maintains strict control over all research activities involving human or animal participants, and work in which issues of biosafety are involved. The successful proposal will be subject to research ethics/biosafety approval, if applicable (see Research Proposal Form).

CACHE reserves the right to not award the fellowship if no suitable candidates apply.

Specific role enquiries

Hannah Vogel, Centre Manager, cache@mq.edu.au

Researchers who believe they may meet the criteria for the fellowship but feel unable to apply due to eligibility requirements or other barriers should contact the Centre Manager.

Applications closed

Sunday 10^th July, 2022

Download Research Proposal Form

Download an accessible PDF copy of these guidelines

Macquarie University recognises the custodianship of the land on which our campus is situated — the Wallumattagal clan of the Dharug Nation — and pays respect to their Aboriginal Elders past, present and future.

Macquarie University is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. We value individual difference and recognise the strength of a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive workforce where the backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of our staff are a driving force for collaboration, innovation, and impact.

We work to ensure equality of opportunity for people regardless of their age, bodily differences, caring responsibilities, cultural background, gender identity, neurodiversity, and/or sexual orientation.

CACHE Member Funding Opportunities

CACHE members are able to apply for funding to support an event or other activity that conforms with the Centre's goals.

Please download and complete the application form and submit it to cache@mq.edu.au, copied to the Director ronika.power@mq.edu.au.

Applications are called at the beginning of the academic year and reviewed by the CACHE Executive Committee.

Funding opportunities & fellowships