Role type: Full Time; Fixed Term for 2 years
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/ School: School of Biosciences
Salary: Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 (PhD Entry Level - $110,319) plus 17% super

Collaborate with leading experts on innovative research to develop an independent research program.

Apply now for this exciting opportunity to advance our understanding of animal construction behaviours and their thermal implications.

Investing in you - 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
As a Research Fellow in the School of Biosciences, you'll join an exciting research project exploring how animals adjust their construction behaviours in response to changing environments. You'll work closely with Dr. Iliana Medina, analysing long-term datasets and investigating the thermal value of nests in birds. This role offers you the chance to develop your own research program, collaborate with researchers across institutions, and contribute to the supervision of students, all while advancing our understanding of animal behaviour and its implications in a changing world.

Your responsibilities will include:

Conduct High-Quality Research: Perform complex data analysis, potentially involving advanced statistical approaches, to contribute to the research team's efforts.

Publish Scholarly Outputs: Contribute to and publish academic papers in high-impact journals, disseminating research findings through seminars and conferences.

Supervise and Mentor: Assist in the co-supervision and training of research students at all levels, contributing to their academic development.

Contribute to Teaching: Participate in teaching, training, and scientific mentoring of graduate and honours students.

Engage in Service Activities: Actively participate in School meetings, planning activities, and committee work to support capacity building and promote diversity and inclusion.

Promote Public Awareness: Contribute to or present research to the public, elevating awareness of scientific developments and promoting critical inquiry.

You may be a great fit if:
You are a dedicated researcher with a passion for animal behaviour and a commitment to advancing scientific understanding through rigorous research and collaboration.

You may also:

Possess a PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant field, such as animal behaviour, ecology, or biology.

Have experience in conducting high-quality research, data analysis, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Possess excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively disseminate research findings.

Have experience in supervising or mentoring students, or a willingness to develop these skills.

Exhibit a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and ethical conduct in research and academic activities.

Your new team – School of Biosciences
Biosciences 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 research projects in the general areas of ecology, evolution, zoology, marine biology, genetics, plant science, genomics, biosecurity, biological pollution, reproductive biology and data science.

The faculty of science is home to seven schools: Agriculture, Food & Ecosystem Sciences; Biosciences; Chemistry; Geography, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences; Mathematics & Statistics; Physics; and Melbourne Veterinary School. 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.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is available.

A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for all positions. If successful, we'll guide you through the WWCC application process during onboarding and reimburse the cost.

Applications close: 19 January 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.