Research Fellow in Mammalian Movement Ecology and Energetics; University of Melbourne

Job no: 0064221
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-Time;
Fixed-term for 1 year
Faculty: Science
Department/School: School of Bio Sciences,
Salary: Level A $105,518 – $113,262 p.a. plus 17% super

• Conduct research on pest species’ ecology in relation to climate change.
• Shape your own research program and contribute to a high-impact ARC-funded project.
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the Role

The School of Bio Sciences at the University of Melbourne is seeking a passionate and skilled Research Fellow with expertise in mammalian field ecology, specifically movement ecology and energetics focusing on pest species (inc. cats, foxes, rabbits).

In this role, you will work alongside Professor Michael Kearney on a high-impact Australian Research Council (ARC) funded project that aims to predict how Australia’s pest species will respond to climate change.

You will have the freedom to develop your own research program. This role offers the unique opportunity to collaborate with leading experts across the University, other research institutions, and key industry and government stakeholders, shaping the future of pest management in Australia.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Collaborate with Prof Michael Kearney on research aligned with the ARC-funded Australian Laureate Fellowship project on ‘Predicting how Australia’s pests will respond to climate change’.
• Significantly contribute towards the research effort of the team and develop your research expertise with an increasing degree of autonomy. The project will involve extended periods of field research in remote locations and in challenging environments (hot, arid).
• Under the guidance and support of Senior Academic staff conduct internationally competitive research, resulting in publications in high impact journals.
• Contribute to and publish academic papers and other scholarly outputs to a high academic standard in accordance with the research expectations of the University of Melbourne.
• Actively participate in research seminars and conferences to disseminate research findings as opportunities arise.

Who We Are Looking For

You will have a strong interest in pest management, with excellent collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary research team and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders. You will also bring a demonstrated aptitude for research and a solid publication record in relevant areas, reflecting your experience and opportunities.

You will also have:

• Completion (or near completion) of a PhD in ecology, wildlife biology or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in field research on vertebrates, ideally mammals, with expertise in trapping, handling and one or more of radio telemetry, accelerometry, field respirometry, doubly labelled water.
• Demonstrated experience working in remote areas, ability to drive manual and 4WD vehicles, sound knowledge of remote area safety and procedures.
• A willingness to work on invasive mammalian pest species of conservation concern (the candidate may be required to euthanise study animals).

This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn’t have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your New Team – “School of Bio Sciences”

This position presents an opportunity to join The University of Melbourne’s School of Bio Sciences. Bio Sciences houses 60 continuing academic staff, and more than 150 academic staff overall (including postdocs, and other research contingent staff) all working on the world’s top biological challenges – from climate change, biosecurity and pollution to reproductive health and food production. Collectively members of our School lead more than 240…