Role type: Full Time; Fixed-Term for 12 months
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/ School: Melbourne Veterinary School
Salary: Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super

• Develop objective measures of positive welfare in dogs across behaviour, neurophysiology and collaborate with international working‑dog partners to shape applied welfare frameworks.

• Apply now to join Happy Dog Science group and develop validated, practical welfare assessment tools for working dogs.

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

The University of Melbourne
We take 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
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.

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.

Science at Melbourne is a global leader across discovery and applied scientific research and education. Science begins with curiosity, and we are dedicated to understanding the universe from the level of sub-atomic particles to the solar system. We aim to be leaders who positively impact the community locally and globally, addressing major societal issues from climate change to disease. Our discoveries help build an understanding of the world around us.

• 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.