Research Assistant in Insect Ecology

**Job no**: 0056831
**Location**:Parkville
**Role type**:Full time; Fixed-term
**Faculty**:Faculty of Science
**Department/School**:School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
**Salary**:RA Grade 1 - $70,461 - $77,171 p.a. plus 17% super

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

**About the Faculty of Science**
Science at the University of Melbourne is the most highly ranked Faculty of Science in Australia. Science is defined by its research excellence in the physical and life sciences and is at the forefront of research addressing major societal issues from climate change to disease. Our discoveries help build an understanding of the world around us.

We have over 150 years of experience in pioneering scientific thinking and analysis, leading to outstanding teaching and learning and offer a curriculum based on highly relevant research, which empowers our STEM students and graduates to understand and address complexities that impact real world issues and the challenges of tomorrow.

**About the Role**
You will be a member of the Freshwater Ecology Research group in the School of Geography, Earth & Atmospheric Science and will work in a team under the supervision of Dr Jill Lancaster.

This position will contribute to an ARC Discovery project entitled _Dispersal and recruitment of species across landscapes: a new synthesis_, which is a collaboration between The University of Melbourne and Missouri State University (USA). The project will investigate whether failure to disperse successfully across landscapes limits the abundances and diversity of insect species inhabiting rivers.

You will provide assistance with organising field trips, helping with fieldwork, processing samples in the laboratory and maintaining data sheets. This position will be based at the School of Geography, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences at The University of Melbourne, city campus, with fieldwork required at various locations around Victoria.

Other responsibilities may include:

- Attend field trips and conduct fieldwork as required
- Help with maintenance and acquisition of field and laboratory equipment and supplies
- Enumerate and identify sampled invertebrates using a microscope
- Perform other tasks as requested by the supervisor or the Head of School
- Actively participate in the University Professional Development Framework

**About You**
You will be a highly motivated and independent individual with experience in conducting ecological field research on arthropods or stream insects. You will possess strong written and oral communication skills in English and have advanced analytical skills with the ability to identify problems in own area and to participate in problem resolution, work independently and seek advice where required. The ability to identify insects, particularly those that live in rivers and experience with 4WD driving is desirable but not essential.

You will also have:

- Minimum of an honours degree or equivalent (e.g. work experience) in ecology
- An understanding of experimental and survey design principles
- Capacity to organise and carry out ecological fieldwork successfully
- Experience in data entry and management and maintenance of electronic databases
- Basic level computer skills with demonstrated experience using online information systems, including MS Office suite.
- Excellent organisational skills to meet deadlines and bring projects to a timely completion

**About the University**
The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

**Benefits of Working with Us**
In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

- Flexible working arrangements, generous personal, parental and cultural leave
- Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
- Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs
- Discounts on a wide range of products and services including Myki cards and Qantas Club
- Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families

**Be Yourself**
We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and c