Research Fellow in Natural Capital

Role type:Full-Time; Fixed termfor 12 months

Faculty:Faculty of Science

Department/School:School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences

Salary: Level A: $85,555 – 116,094 p.a. plus 17% super

• Contribute to climate-smart forestry research
• Conduct field surveys in diverse Victorian landscapes
• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

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Your next career opportunity

As a Research Fellow in Natural Capital, you'll play a crucial role in a groundbreaking project exploring sustainable forestry practices. You'll conduct field-based surveys, analyse natural capital values, and perform carbon life-cycle analyses across eastern Victoria's agricultural landscapes. This position offers you the opportunity to contribute to climate-smart forestry research, working with industry partners and multiple universities to shape the future of Australia's forest and wood products industry.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead Field Research: Plan and execute field-based surveys to assess natural capital values, including forest structure, composition, and fauna diversity.
• Analyse and Report: Process and analyse field data, contribute to high-impact publications, and present findings at conferences and workshops.
• Collaborate and Engage: Work closely with industry partners, participate in project meetings, and contribute to research proposals.
• Support Education: Assist in supervising and mentoring research students at undergraduate and graduate levels.

You may be a great fit if:

You are a dedicated researcher with a PhD in forest ecology or a related field, possessing strong field research skills, data analysis expertise, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

You may also:

• Have a PhD (or be near completion) in forest ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline.
• Possess experience in designing and implementing field-based research programs.
• Demonstrate expertise in forest composition, structure, and fauna surveying methods.
• Have strong statistical data analysis skills and a sound publication record.
• Show excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page

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. The school 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.

Science at Melbourne is a global leader across discovery and applied scientific research and education. We are committed to the values of curiosity, excellence, impact and integrity. With deep disciplinary knowledge our faculty is uniquely positioned to take a globally leading role in understanding, exploring and shaping our world and humanity, within a truly comprehensive Faculty of Science.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organization. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.

The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods. To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Bec Tucker – 0478 269 660 or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit - https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au.

Working at the University – what you need to know

This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. 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.

Join Us and unlock your career potential

Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today Including the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Oliver Bukasa via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Applications close: 28 August 2025. 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:JR-003192 - AFWI Research Fellow in Natural Capital - PD.pdf