Lecturer in Physical Geography

UOM University of Melbourne

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Parkville Until 10/8/2026 First posted August 9, 2026 Last posted August 9, 2026
Job description

Role type: Full Time (1.0 FTE); Continuing 
Faculty: Faculty of Science 
Department/ School: School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences 
Salary: Level B: $124,656 - $148,023 p.a. plus 17% super  

  • Continuing Lecturer role in physical geography 

  • Vibrant multidisciplinary School with discipline strengths across physical and human geography, atmospheric science and geoscience 

  • Apply now to lead physical geography teaching, including class-based and field-based teaching, and impactful research that informs understanding and responses to environmental processes and climatic change. 

  • Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.  

 

The University of Melbourne  
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website. 

Your next career opportunity  
You will lead engaging physical geography teaching, including class-based and field-based learning, while developing an independent research program in your area of expertise in geomorphology and Earth surface processes. You will collaborate across geography and aligned disciplines on research areas such as climate change, environmental hazards and Earth system interactions. You will inspire and mentor students through teaching and supervision within a supportive, research-rich School, contributing knowledge that benefits communities and environments in Australia and beyond. 

What you will deliver:  

  • Design, deliver and continuously improve undergraduate and postgraduate subjects in physical geography and related multidisciplinary areas. 

  • Lead engaging field trips and practical classes, fostering safe, inclusive, hands-on learning experiences for diverse student cohorts. 

  • Conduct internationally competitive research in physical geography, producing high-quality publications and impactful scholarly and community outputs. 

  • Secure external and internal research funding, and build collaborations with academic, industry, government and community partners. 

  • Supervise and mentor honours, postgraduate coursework and research students, supporting timely completion and strong career development. 

You may be a great fit if you:  

  • Hold a completed PhD in physical geography or a closely related discipline. 

  • Demonstrate strong research expertise in areas such as geomorphology, biogeomorphology, biogeography, palaeoclimatology, Quaternary environments. 

  • Deliver high-quality university teaching, including lectures, practical classes and field-based learning, in physical geography or related subjects. 

  • Publish in respected international journals and show potential to build a distinctive, externally funded research program. 

  • Supervise or co-supervise research students and contribute to a positive, inclusive academic mentoring environment. 

  • Engage collaboratively with colleagues, industry, government or Indigenous communities to enhance research relevance and real-world impact. 

For further information please refer to the attached PD.  

What we offer you!  
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:  

  • Build future financial security with 17% superannuation 

  • Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being  

  • Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning 

  • Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave 

  • Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company  

  • Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program  

 

Your new team – School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences  
Within the Faculty of Science, the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences unites leading environmental disciplines. Researchers span social to quantitative physical sciences, addressing climate change, resource futures, environmental hazards and Earth system interactions. You will join a collegial community committed to impactful research, innovative teaching, reconciliation and Indigenous knowledge partnerships. Together, you will help equip diverse students and societies to navigate accelerating environmental and climatic change. 

Be Yourself  
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb. 

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants  
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.  
    
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au 

Application essentials: 

  • Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs. 

  • This role is eligible for visa sponsorship and we welcome international applicants. If successful, we will support you through this process. 

  • A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.  

  • Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.  

  • Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.  

 

Want to know more? 

  • For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').  

 

Apply today and join a community that’s shaping the future. 

Applications close: 9 September 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.  

Position Description:  

About this role

Summary

Lead physical geography teaching, research, and supervise students at university level.

Job title

Lecturer in Physical Geography

Experience level

doctorate required

Industry

education

Location requirements

Based in Parkville, Australia; remote work not specified.

Salary

$125k–$148k

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

PhD in physical geography or related disciplineresearch expertise in geomorphology, biogeomorphology, biogeography, palaeoclimatology, Quaternary environmentshigh-quality university teachingpublications in international journals

Preferred skills

collaborative researchexternal research fundingmentoring studentsindigenous engagement

Specializations

geomorphologyclimate changeenvironmental hazardsEarth surface processes
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Parkville VIC 3052, Australia

Work arrangement unknown City