Research Fellow in Behaviour and Ecology

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. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

As a Research Fellow in the School of Biosciences, you'll join a n 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.

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 – 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.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation . We believe the diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing reasonable adjustments throughout . We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. For assistance , please contact Kim Groizard on or at hr- (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Contact details for other enquiries are located at the bottom of this page.

Find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Our Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerring outlines our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied- for further information and support .

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.

Join Us and unlock your career potential

If this role is right for you, please apply with the following 4 documents :

• Resume (max 4 pages)

• Cover Letter outlining your interest s and experience ( one page )

• Copy of the most relevant/recent publication that showcases your data visualisation skills ( just one , it can be a preprint )

• The responses against the following 5 Selection Criteria (separate document , max 4 pages ):

1) Completion (or near completion) of a PhD in ecology, behavioural ecology, or a related discipline.

2) A demonstrated aptitude for research, with a sound publication record in relevant areas, commensurate with experience and opportunities.

3) Demonstrated experience in Bayesian or other statistical approaches , and high proficiency and interest in programming and data visualisation .

4) A good level of understanding of bird ( or vertebrate ) diver sity and ecology .

5) Non-essential: Experience in thermal ecology or climate change related research & experience in the field with birds or other vertebrates

*Please note, if the total size of all your documents exceeds 5 MB, there will be a field at the end of the application form where you can attach additional documents.

Learn more about the application process , including tips and FAQs.

For recruitment queries, email Anna Gradoboeva hr- . Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address.

For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description.

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