Research Assistant

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

About The Team

The Agriculture Discipline at Murdoch University is renowned for its research excellence and industry impact, anchored in three leading centres within the Food Futures Institute: the Centre for Animal Production and Health, the Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems, and the Centre for Crop and Food innovation.

The Centre for Animal Production and Health, internationally recognised with an ERA score of 4 (Above World Standard), conducts cutting-edge research, including livestock health, welfare, nutrition, reproductive efficiency and growth, meat science and consumer attitudes. The discipline actively contributes to externally funded projects funded by Australian Wool Innovation, Meat and Livestock Australia, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's Future Drought Fund, and the Western Australian Agricultural Research Collaboration.

In addition to its research strengths, the discipline delivers high-quality teaching in the Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences (with majors in Animal Science, Anima Health, and Crop and Pasture Science), core Units in Veterinary Science, Honours Programs, Master's in Biosecurity and research-focused PhDs.

Your New Role

Join our School of Agricultural Science as a Research Assistant, supporting field-based projects that drive the profitability and sustainability of sheep production systems. You'll contribute to research on nutrition, ewe and lamb survival, stress reduction at weaning, genetic resilience to climate and disease, methane reduction, and improved grazing practices.

This hands-on role involves setting up and running paddock-scale experiments, collecting and preparing samples, maintaining research equipment, and working across both research and commercial farms. You'll collaborate closely with the team, with flexibility for travel, remote work, and occasional out-of-hours or weekend commitments.

Your Key responsibilities will include –

• Assist with setting up paddock-scale research sites on commercial and research farms.
• Support experimental treatments, including data and sample collection from pastures, crops, and livestock.
• Carry out routine sheep husbandry tasks such as feeding, weighing, condition scoring, and wool measurement.
• Complete laboratory tasks including sample preparation and analysis.
• Maintain research vehicles, equipment, and supplies.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners, ensuring all work complies with safety, ethical, and policy requirements.

Please refer to the

Position Description

for further details.

What We Offer You

This Fixed Term (2 Years) | Full Time, part time can be considered attracts a remuneration of $63,333K – $70,532K (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.

You'll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

• Periodic salary increases between 1 January 2026 to 1 July 2026 totalling an 4% increase
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
• Indigenous Language Allowance
• Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our

benefits and services page

Join us

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
• Your most recent resume (CV)

What you'll bring to the role:

• Completion of Certificate II or III in Agricultural Science/Animal Science or an equivalent combination of relevant work experience and or education and training.
• Organizational skills including the ability to prioritise jobs and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to record data accurately.
• Prepared to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds & able and willing to relate well to a wide range of staff and students.

Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.

Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Caroline Jacobson, Head of School, and quote JR104373 as the reference.

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.