Research Fellow in Ecosystem Conservation Science Full-time

Research Fellow in Ecosystem Conservation Science

Full Time (1.0 FTE); Fixed Term for 2 years

Faculty of Science

School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences

Salary: Appointment at Level A or B, commensurate with experience

Level A: $87,266 – $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super

Level B: $124,656 – $148,023 p.a. plus 17% super

Lead development of ecosystem level biodiversity metrics and collaborate with industry and NGO partners.

Apply now to co-design and test ecosystem level indicators and tools that embed biodiversity into private sector reporting and risk management.

Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne takes pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research.

Your next career opportunity

As a Research Fellow you will undertake world-leading research on biodiversity indicators and global conservation policy. You will apply Red List of Ecosystems (RLE) and the UN System for Environmental Economic Accounting – Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA EA) data to develop methods and on-ground case studies, gaining experience in stakeholder engagement, scholarly publication and practical tool development.

What you will deliver:

• Conduct world-class research: Lead research on biodiversity indicators, analyse RLE and SEEA EA datasets and publish in high impact journals.
• Develop practical tools and case studies: Translate methods into tested tools for private sector reporting and implement on-ground case studies across ecosystem types and industries.
• Collaborate and engage stakeholders: Work closely with IUCN, private sector and NGO partners to co-design solutions and disseminate findings.
• Support research training and funding: Contribute to research proposals, and co-supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students and junior staff.
• Contribute to leadership and service: Participate in School activities, promote diversity and inclusion, maintain compliance and engage in professional development.

You may be a great fit if:

• You are a researcher experienced in testing, developing or analysing ecosystem level biodiversity indicators.
• You possess practical skills applying frameworks and data, such as the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems (RLE), SEEA EA ecosystem accounting, the Taskforce for Nature Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) or related private sector guidelines.
• You are skilled at engaging with industry and NGO partners to translate science into reporting and decision-making tools.
• You are a strong communicator with a track record of publishing and contributing to research proposals.
• You demonstrate collaborative mentoring, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and professional integrity.

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 – School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences

The School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences (SAFES) has a vision of flourishing environments and communities. It brings together diverse discipline strengths to lead the development of new interdisciplinary thinking and high-impact solutions for global challenges relating to climate change, food security, healthy food systems, biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, invasive species, and environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural practices.

The school is situated across four University campuses, with dedicated agriculture, forest and fire, and urban horticulture facilities that enable exceptional and tailored research capacities as well as unique hands-on learning experiences. It is actively engaged in partnerships with industry, government, alumni, and the community to share knowledge and co-develop solutions to real-world problems

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, contact Professor Emily Nicholson at emily.nicholson@unimelb.edu.au.
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Oliver Bukasa 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: 11 April 2026 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:

JR-010667 – Research Fellow in Ecosystem Conservation Science – PD.pdf

JR-010667 – Research Fellow in Ecosystem Conservation Science – PD.docx