Project Officer

****Job Reference:

About the Role:**** The Population Biology and Genomics Group based at Curtin University is seeking to appoint a Research Officer to support the development of the Toad Containment Zone (see ).

With guidance from the team, you will develop and support a large fauna monitoring program being undertaken by four Indigenous Ranger groups.  You will provide on-ground support to Indigenous ranger teams in the leadup to and during monitoring and will also develop the data management and reporting pipelines required to translate the monitoring work into scientifically rigorous outputs.  You will also contribute to applied research around managing cane toads

*Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:*

• Prepare for, execute, and report on a large biodiversity and toad monitoring program.
• Undertake experimental work to answer applied questions around cane toad control.
• Engage with Indigenous and pastoral stakeholders to ensure stakeholder perspectives and requirements are accommodated.
• Assist in building stakeholder capacity to support ongoing monitoring work.

Who we are looking for - Selection Criteria:

Essential:

1. Completion of a relevant degree with subsequent relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
2. Demonstrated discipline specific knowledge and experience in relevant scientific/research methods, techniques and protocols.
3. Demonstrated organisational skills with the ability to coordinate and implement project activities, prioritise work activities and meet deadlines.
4. Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills with the ability analyse and present data.
5. Demonstrated effective written communication skills with the ability to construct clear and concise reports.
6. Demonstrated effective interpersonal and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally with people of all levels with cross cultural sensitivity.
7. Demonstrated competence in the use of computer applications and relevant digital technologies.
8. Demonstrated ability to work effectively, independently and with others as a team.
9. A record of productive and respectful working relationships with community stakeholders, particularly Traditional Owners or Rangers
10. Demonstrated experience in safe fieldwork and standard fauna monitoring techniques
11. Demonstrated experience working with ecological data and GIS
12. A capacity to spend time away on remote field trips
13. 4WD experience.

Role Requirements:

• As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role to be considered.
• Ability to work outside of normal office hours when required.
• Manual "C" class driver's license.
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin's satisfaction.

Your new Team:

The Population Biology and Genomics Group is focussed on the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of populations. We develop new theory and analytical tools to support the management of important populations across environment, agriculture, and health sectors. We apply population biology to problems in biosecurity and conservation, working with government and industry stakeholders to solve emergent biosecurity problems, and to improve future preparedness.

Established in July 2023 under the Western Australian Government Premier's Science Fellowship Program, the Population Biology and Genomics Group is a new and rapidly growing research group in the School of Molecular and Life Sciences at Curtin University.

To find out more about the Population Biology and Genomics Group, please visit our website:

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace:

At Curtin University, we value the diversity of the community and are passionate about fostering an inclusive culture in which all people feel respected, valued, welcome and safe. 

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is committed to equity and opportunity in all aspects of employment including recruitment, career development, promotion and workplace support.  

To demonstrate this commitment, the faculty has developed a Diversity Awareness Program with a key focus on the areas of gender equity, diverse sex, sexuality and gender, ethnicity, disability and accessibility, and health and wellness. We aim to promote and improve awareness and participation of diversity and inclusion initiatives through the appointment of diversity representatives and male champions of change across the faculty. 

As a university and faculty, we believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage applications from every background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and racially diverse backgrounds to join the Faculty of Science and Engineering and make tomorrow better. 

Applicants with disability who require adjustments, or alternative methods of communication in the recruitment process can contact our friendly team at   

To find out more about our comprehensive diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives, please visit  For more information on Curtin's 2030 Strategic Plan, please visit   

About Curtin University

We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page -    

What We Offer You:

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more. For more information, check out our benefits page 

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit   

Join Us

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:  

• Up to date Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest, experience and addressing the selection criteria for the role (no more than two pages)

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on or option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.  

Applications close: Tuesday, 2 September 2025

Disclaimer: Please note that there is no standardised time for the closing of adverts on the specified date. Therefore, we recommend submitting your application ahead of this deadline. Late applications will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.