Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Digital Media Research Centre

Creative Industries Faculty

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Acknowledgement of Country QUT acknowledges the Turrbal and Yugara, as the First Nations owners of the lands where QUT campuses now stand. About QUT QUT is a major Australian university with a global outlook and a 'real world' focus. We are one of the nation’s fastest growing research universities and our courses are in high demand.

We are an ambitious and collaborative institution that seeks to equip our students and graduates with the skills they will need in an increasingly disrupted and challenged world. We are transforming the student experience we offer our 50,000 students and we place a premium on the international and national accreditation of our various professional degrees.

Our internationally award-winning Science and Engineering Centre is home to The Cube, acknowledged as one of the world’s largest digital interactive learning and display spaces. QUT established the world's first Creative Industries Faculty, and we invest heavily in collaborative learning and interdisciplinary research environments, including the new $95M Education Precinct.

Further information about QUT can be obtained from the website at www.qut.edu.au.

Our Vision

QUT’s Blueprint 6 is our institutional strategic plan. The Blueprint formalises QUT’s ambitions and declares our strong sense of purpose which is to provide transformative education and research relevant to our communities. It provides a framework and strategies to enable QUT to realise our vision to be the university for the real world and identifies the following priorities:

• support aspiration and inclusion • encourage creativity and

entrepreneurship • embrace digital transformation and

technology • embed principles of health and

wellbeing • support Indigenous Australian

engagement, success and empowerment

• enable professional engagement and ethical leadership and,

• focus on the environment and sustainability.

Indigenous Australian engagement, success and empowerment

QUT’s Blueprint 6 outlines how we will live up to our commitment to increase Indigenous engagement, success and empowerment. Key components of QUT’s commitment include the appointment of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy) to oversee Indigenous Australian policy, strategy and strategic partnerships across the university; and the establishment of the Carumba Institute to undertake world-class Indigenous-led research, and learning and teaching in collaboration with Indigenous communities. Additionally, QUT has commenced a program of engagement with Indigenous people to assist in achieving its Blueprint outcomes by commencing a traditional owner Elder in Residence program; and forging partnerships with peak Indigenous Australian organisations. As part of our commitment to making our physical campuses more appropriate we are: • implementing a Country to Campus strategy • constructing new purpose-built spaces for

the Carumba Institute, an Indigenous Australian Museum and the Oodgeroo Student Support Unit (Gardens Point campus) and

• refurbishing the existing support space for Indigenous Australian students on our Kelvin Grove campus.

QUT is committed to increasing the number and retention of Indigenous Australian staff and encourage Indigenous Australians to apply for this and other positions within QUT. About the Digital Media Research Centre The QUT Digital Media Research Centre (DMRC) conducts world-leading research for a creative, inclusive and fair digital media environment. First established in 2015, it is one of QUT’s nine Tier 1 University Research Centres representing the university’s research strengths. The DMRC is one of the top Australian centres for media and communication research, areas in which QUT has achieved the highest possible rankings in the national research quality assessment exercise ERA, and it is closely linked with the

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School of Communication and the Law School. From mid-2020, the DMRC incorporates the QUT node of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making & Society (ADM+S), and participates in the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, headquartered in the Faculty of Education. Working across five programs and drawing together people from five Schools and three Faculties, the DMRC investigates the digital transformation of the media industries, the challenges of digital inclusion and governance, the growing role of AI and automation in the information environment, and the role of social media in political polarisation. The DMRC has an international reputation for both critical and computational methods, and has access to cutting-edge research infrastructure and capabilities in areas such as social media analytics and critical simulation. We actively engage with industry and international partners in Australia, North and South America, Europe, and Asia; and we are especially proud of the dynamic and supportive research training environment we provide to our many local and international graduate students. The DMRC is also a member of the global Network of Centres – a group of academic institutions with a focus on interdisciplinary research on the development, social impact, policy implications, and legal concerning the Internet. For further information, see: http://research.qut.edu.au/dmrc The Creative Industries Faculty QUT established the world’s first Creative Industries Faculty in 2001, recognising the growing significance of creativity, interdisciplinarity and technology-driven research and creative practice as Australia moves towards a knowledge-based economy. The Faculty has a strong and growing research profile, across its three schools (School of Design, School of Communication & School of Creative Practice). The faculty hosts one University Research Centre – the Digital Media Research Centre and one Faculty Research Centre – the Design Lab. The research encompasses a full spectrum from basic research, applied research and contract research undertaken with and for partners in

the creative industries sector and beyond at state, national and international levels. Further information on the Creative Industries Faculty can be reviewed on its website at http://www.qut.edu.au/creative-industries.

About the Position We are currently seeking applicants for Postdoctoral Research Fellowships. These positions have been created to build research capacity in the QUT Digital Media Research Centre (DMRC). The DMRC is one of nine flagship University Research Centres announced by QUT in late 2019. The successful applicants will be expected to pursue an independent research agenda, in alignment with the targeted research programs nominated below and in close collaboration with other Centre staff and students. The position reports to the Centre Director, DMRC for supervision, workload management and Performance Planning and Review (PPR). Targeted research programs

We are seeking candidates whose work will contribute to one or more of the following DMRC Research Programs (further details at the DMRC website): 1. Transforming Media Industries – Program Leader Prof Amanda Lotz This program investigates how the business practices and cultural dynamics of media industries are adapting to profound transformations in the production, distribution, consumption, and regulation of media content in local and global contexts. We examine the operations of power and the potential for innovation, focusing especially on the implications they pose for media makers, the media they make, and their social consequences across the film, television, games, music, news, and social media industries. 2. Digital Publics – Program Leader Prof Axel Bruns Digital and social media platforms provide new opportunities for public self-expression and organisation; but they also enable abuse, hate speech, polarisation, and the dissemination of ‘fake news’. We use both advanced data science and forensic qualitative methods to investigate the evolution of such phenomena in Australia and the world; examine the role

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that digital platforms, including their technical affordances and institutional operators, play in channelling user practices; and work with state, civic, and industry partners to promote safe and constructive engagement in digital spaces. 3. Digital Inclusion & Participation – Program Leader A/Prof Michael Dezuanni Working in partnership with industry, government and community organisations, this program uses innovative digital ethnographic and co-design methods to understand, intervene, and advocate for digital access and literacy as vital elements of social inclusion. We help equip citizens and consumers with the knowledge and skills to confidently, effectively and ethically navigate the increasingly complex digital media environment; and we deliver actionable new knowledge of the structural conditions and circumstances that impact on equitable and safe participation in the digital society.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting high quality research relevant to one or more of the three targeted research programs

• Preparing and publishing research outcomes in relevant high-quality refereed journals and/or books

• Presenting research outcomes at seminars, conferences and industry meetings,and engaging with external stakeholders

• Preparing research funding proposals to external funding bodies.

• Contributing to public understanding and debate through media and/or policy engagement

• Contributing actively to the Centre’s research culture, including participation in strategic planning, research collaboration and community-building within the nominated research program/s

• Supervising and mentoring research higher degree students

• Conforming to QUT requirements with respect to research ethics and integrity and data management

• Compliance with health and safety policies, procedures, hazard reporting and safe work practices.

To be appointed as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow the successful applicant must meet the position classification standards outlined in the QUT Enterprise Agreement (Academic Staff).

Real World Capabilities

To deliver on QUT’s global, collaborative and connected vision requires a workforce that embodies the following capabilities: • Agility and openness to change • Connectivity and collaboration (intra and

inter-disciplinary) • Cultural inclusion • Digital literacy • Future-focused thinking (strategic,

innovative & design and entrepreneurial) • Global in intent and reach • Leadership of strategy, action and others • Performance and resource management

Type of appointment

This appointment will be offered on a fixed- term, full-time basis for three (3) years. Location

Kelvin Grove campus.

Selection Criteria 1. Completion of a PhD in a relevant discipline

area (e.g. communication, media studies, cultural studies, education, and related humanities and social sciences disciplines) within the past 3 years at the time of appointment, not including periods of career interruption due to carer’s responsibilities, parental leave, illness, or disability.

2. Alignment of the proposed research plan with at least one of the three targeted research programs.

3. Proven scholarly writing skills and experience in preparing publications for a variety of audiences, including scholarly books and/or articles in high-quality refereed journals.

4. Proven ability to work independently to generate distinctive contributions to scholarly knowledge and/or create real world outcomes.

5. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a high-achieving and collegial research culture.

6. Well-developed oral and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and research collaborators, including presentations at seminars, conferences and industry events.

7. Demonstrated ability to conduct research in partnership with external stakeholders and/or engage in policy debates of relevance to the targeted research program/s.

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Remuneration and Benefits The classification for this position is Academic Level B (LEVB) which has an annual remuneration range of $115,398 to $137,050 pa. which is inclusive of an annual salary range of $97,325 to $115,586, 17% superannuation and 17.5% recreation leave loading. Beyond personal and professional fulfilment, a career at QUT brings a broad range of tangible benefits. With competitive remuneration including superannuation, the University offers real and generous benefits. QUT is a high quality and flexible organisation that is proud of its excellent employment conditions which include but are not limited to: • Reduced working year scheme • Parental leave provisions • Study support encompassing leave and

financial assistance • Comprehensive professional

development • Salary Packaging Further benefits can be found at the Working at QUT page

Information for applicants Open to Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people. For this position it is a genuine occupational requirement that it be filled by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person as permitted by and arguable under sections 25, 104 and 105 of the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act (1991). For further information about the position, please contact Professor Jean Burgess, on (07) 3138 8253 or je.burgess@qut.edu.au; for further information about working at QUT contact Human Resources, on (07) 3138 4104. Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for these positions. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students in the Digital Media Research Centre will be cross-affiliated with QUT’s Carumba Institute.

QUT is proud to be an inaugural Athena SWAN charter member. We have extensive and established support programs for women in STEMM. For more information on the Athena SWAN charter, contact Tracy Straughan on (07) 3138 1584. Candidates who are interested in the position are encouraged to apply even though they may feel they are not strong on one or more of the individual selection criteria. In assessing merit, the panel will take into consideration “performance or achievement relative to opportunity”. This may mean, for example, prioritising the quality of achievement rather than the quantity, as considerations of part-time employment, career interruptions and significant periods of leave are taken into account when assessing performance or achievement. The selection panel is also committed to conducting a process which is fair and free from bias, including unconscious bias. How to Apply For further information and to apply, please visit www.qut.edu.au/jobs for reference number 20155. When applying for this position your application must include the following: • A current CV including:

1. A list of your publications and, for journal articles, the associated Scopus quartile ranking;

2. Any research grants obtained (including any commercial research contracts and consultancies);

3. Any awards or commendations; • A cover letter addressing the selection

criteria (no more than 5 pages) • A brief research proposal of no more

than four (4) pages (not including references) describing the program of work you would like to pursue over three years. The proposal should be structured using the following headings: 1. Aims and background 2. Objectives, methods and outcomes 3. Alignment with targeted DMRC

programs 4. External impact and engagement

strategy Applications close 27 April 2020