This is a Masters project led by Yued Traditional Custodians to help drive the Yued-led management of bio-cultural values in Lesueur National Park. The scholarship is subject to the successful application of the Curtin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Scholarship.
Aim
The aim of the project is to collaborate with Yued Traditional Custodians to develop and implement mechanisms to ensure that Country is healthy and cared for through a co-operative Management Agreement guided by Yued Governance. The successful candidate will have experience working with Indigenous communities and stakeholders, preferably in right-way science principles including:
- Indigenous-led governance processes and methodologies
- Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property protocols
- Data sharing and data sovereignty agreements
Transparent sharing of knowledge within Indigenous communities and external parties as determined by the governing Aboriginal Corporation
Objectives
Transparent sharing of knowledge within Indigenous communities and external parties as determined by the governing Aboriginal Corporation.
Key activity of the project:
- Facilitation of on-Country workshops with Yued Traditional Custodians to map Cultural values and Yued led collaborative management in line with Yued aspirations, needs and interest
- Identify and prioritise Yued led bio-cultural values with Lesueur National Park
Identify Yued-led bio-cultural management actions that can be implemented under a co-operative management approach with Lesueur National Park
Significance
The project will support Yued led identification and protection of bio-cultural values with Lesueur National Park and associated land and seascapes and offer direct and indirect benefit to the economic, environmental, social and cultural wellbeing of the Yued community.
Ideal Candidate
This Masters opportunity is aimed at Indigenous candidates with an Environmental science background who are interested in collaboration with Indigenous research users and who have experience/knowledge, or interest in working with Indigenous communities. In addition, the ideal candidate must meet the following criteria:
1. Applicants must hold a First or Upper Second-Class Bachelor’s degree with Honours, or a degree in a related field (Environmental Sciences, Indigenous Knowledges) with a minimum average grade of 60% and substantial research component to meet the entry requirments for a 2 year Masters of Philosophy program.
2. Applicants must be personable, work well under supervision and autonomously when required and be willing to work in a collaborative environment.
3. Applicants must demonstrate:
a. excellent understanding of and interest in linkage between human and ecological health.
b. a strong aptitude for working in a collaborative team environment, working with Indigenous communities, conducting field trips, and proficiently conducting data analyses.
c. good understanding of ecological sciences and right-way science.
d. excellent written and communication skills, and
e. a strong aptitude for scientific writing.
4. Applicants must not be engaged in full-time employment, or be subject to an obligation with another party to provide that party with any intellectual property rights during the course of their research
5. The scholarship is a full-time enrolment up to 2 years subject to Scholarship eligibility. No part time, casual or other allowed.
Scholarship
This scholarship is subject to the successful application of Curtin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Scholarship
Applications close 30th June 2026
Enquires
For enquires about the project please contact Dr Teagan Shields at Teagan.shields@curtin.edu.au
To formally apply please submit an Expression of Interest to Dr Teagan Shields