Centre Associates

The principal aim of the Melbourne Centre for Cities is to foster cities research in and from Melbourne, with a principal focus on questions of urban governance and an explicitly international viewpoint. A key ingredient to achieve this mission is a lively and engaged community of Centre Associates from across the University of Melbourne. Associates can be permanent or fixed-term academic staff at the University, at level A and above. Researchers currently undertaking doctoral studies are instead engaged with the Centre through the Centre Doctoral Group. Associates are recognised formally as members of the Centre’s community and will take a proactive role in its academic life.

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Centre Associates are University of Melbourne staff who hold a role appointed outside the Melbourne Centre for Cities and are recognised to formally engage in the Centre’s academic life as the broader community of friends of the Centre that uphold its mission and activities across campus. They often represent the Centre’s champions in their respective academic divisions and are active participants in the Centre’s community, whilst being engaged in a lighter touch manner than Centre Fellows who dedicate a specific section of their working time to Centre duties.

Associates operate within the specifics of their underpinning role’s responsibilities compliant as per University and host Faculty guidance. They are recognised in Centre materials and activities and can access Centre offices and career development programs. The Centre provides Associates with a variety of support and activities and they in turn are expected to play a part in its work and development.

Associates can access Centre development programs (for early career academics) or bespoke workshop sessions (e.g. centre seminar series) along with playing an active part in organising faculty forums and university symposia, facilitated external and international engagements, and more.

Associates are expected to take part in monthly and yearly Centre meetings and work in collaboration with Centre Fellows towards one or more specific Centre programs.

The Melbourne Centre for Cities runs two Associate cohort calls per year in Summer and Winter to facilitate collaboration and cohort building. Interested in joining?

Find expression of interest forms for both roles here:

Melbourne Centre for Cities Associate (faculty) – EoI

Applications for Centre Associate are managed in collaboration with the Associate’s relevant academic division and only require a completed application form. This includes the nomination of a current Centre Fellow or Associate as an introductory collaborator to further integrate the new Associate into Centre activities.

While a key part of the Centre mission is to support Early and Mid-Career urban scholars, applications from all disciplines and at all levels of seniority are welcomed. We particularly encourage diversity and welcome candidates from under-represented minorities. Assessment of applications is focused on the strength of the case in particular by considering the articulation of current or prospective engagement with Centre projects and staff, as well as the Fellow’s commitment to research on cities and city governance.

Please note: While you can submit an EOI at any time, we only conduct intakes twice annually: in February and August.

Find summary position descriptions for both Associate categories here:

Melbourne Centre for Cities Associate (faculty) – PD

Would you like to discuss becoming a Centre Associate more informally? Reach out to one of our current Centre Fellows or email the Centre. Cases of out-of-session applications can be made via a current Centre Fellow or to the Centre Management team.