Research Fellow in Reptile Macroecology

Role type: Full time, Fixed term for two years

Faculty: Faculty of Science

Department / School: School of Biosciences

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

• Contribute to cutting-edge reptile research / Develop expertise in macroecology and biogeography / Work with leading International researchers.

• Apply now to advance reptile conservation through innovative research and data analysis.

• 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. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

As a Research Assistant in Professor Shai Meiri's laboratory, you'll have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking research into reptile diversity, evolution, and biogeography. You'll generate and analyse trait and geographic data to develop global-level hypotheses and conservation prioritisation schemes. This role offers you the chance to contribute to high-impact publications, present at International conferences, and develop your research skills in a supportive academic environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conduct High-Quality Research: Generate and analyse data on reptile diversity, evolution, and biogeography to investigate global-level patterns and processes.
• Contribute to Academic Output: Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at seminars and conferences.
• Collaborate and Mentor: Engage with professional bodies and stakeholders and contribute to supervising research students.
• Support Research Activities: Maintain detailed data records, contribute to research proposals, and participate in school activities.

You may be a great fit if:

You are a dedicated researcher with a PhD (or near completion) in reptile macroecology or a related field, possessing strong analytical skills and a passion for understanding and conserving reptile diversity.

You may also:

• Have completed or are near completing a PhD in reptile macroecology or a related discipline.
• Possess high proficiency in spatial analysis and experience analysing trait and spatial data.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of reptile/vertebrate diversity and a sound publication record.
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English, with the ability to work cooperatively in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Show strong organisational skills and the ability to manage research projects with limited supervision.

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

Your new team – "Biosciences"

The University of Melbourne's School of BioSciences offers a dynamic research environment, with over 150 academic staff addressing critical biological challenges across diverse fields. From climate change and biosecurity to reproductive health and food production, the school leads more than 240 research projects in areas such as ecology, evolution, marine biology, genetics, and data science.

Formed in 2015, the School of BioSciences brings together expertise from botany, genetics, and zoology, creating a powerhouse of biological research and teaching. With 240 research higher degree students, the school is organised into two main research domains: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Molecular and Systems Biology. This structure, combined with cross-disciplinary collaborations, has positioned the school as a major recipient of grant and contract funding, while also contributing significantly to undergraduate programs in science, biomedical science, and environmental science.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. 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 – or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to hr- . You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website:

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 Indigenous strategy please visit -

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- .

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 available for this position.

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 )

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Kate Vasconcelos via email at hr- , 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 .

Applications close: 8th October at 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone.

: JR Research Fellow in Reptile Macroecology