Research Fellow in Animal Welfare Science (Canine Welfare Science) Full-time

Research Fellow In Animal Welfare Science (Postdoctoral)

You will join the Happy Dog Science group within the Animal Welfare Science Centre at the Melbourne Veterinary School to develop and validate scientific methods that measure positive welfare states in dogs using behavioural, physiological, and advanced statistical approaches. You will collaborate with international working-dog partners, apply methods in real-world settings, and gain experience in publishing, stakeholder engagement, and building practical welfare assessment frameworks.

What you will deliver:

• Lead Applied Research: Develop and validate multi-method indicators of positive welfare in dogs, conduct experiments and produce high-quality publications.
• Design and Implement Case Studies: Apply methods across working-dog contexts and contribute to rigorous welfare assessment frameworks for practical use.
• Analyse Complex Data: Perform advanced statistical modelling and neurophysiological/behavioural data analysis to test and refine indicators.
• Collaborate and Translate: Work with international research partners, industry, and NGOs to co-design tools and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Train and Support: Co-supervise and mentor students and junior staff, contribute to research proposals, and participate in School service and professional development.

You may be a great fit if:

• You hold, or are near completion of, a PhD in animal welfare science, animal behaviour, veterinary science, comparative psychology, or a closely related discipline.
• You are experienced working with dogs in applied contexts (working dog programs, shelters, clinical or field settings).
• You possess strong skills in behavioural observation and neurophysiological measurement techniques.
• You are proficient in advanced statistical methods for behavioural and physiological data analysis.
• You are an effective communicator with a track record of publishing and collaborating with external partners.

What we offer you!

• 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 – Melbourne Veterinary School

The Melbourne Veterinary School sits within the Faculty of Science at the University of Melbourne. As Australia's oldest veterinary school, it has a long-established reputation for excellence in research, education, and clinical practice. The school's research expertise spans animal health and welfare, parasitology, virology, and bioinformatics, and it is home to several research centres and initiatives including the Animal Welfare Science Centre and the Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health.

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.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities.

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 queries related to this specific position, please refer to the contact details in the Position Description.
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Anna at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au.
• 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: 4th April 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.