Principal/Senior Research Fellow - Natural Capital
Principal/Senior Research Fellow - Natural Capital
Apply now Job no: 502819
Work type: Full time
Location: Hobart
Categories: Research Focused
- Ability to integrate complex biophysical and economic data, translate research into industry‑ready solutions
- Ability to lead or contribute to large collaborative programs
- Full time, Fixed-Term 4 Years – Based in Hobart
About the opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Senior or Principal Research Fellow - Natural Capital to play a key role in advancing a major forest industry research program within the Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) Centre for Sustainable Resource and Product Solutions (CSRPS) at the University of Tasmania.
This research‑focused role centres on mainstreaming natural capital concepts and practice across the Australian forest industry. The successful candidate will contribute to (Senior level) or lead (Principal level) a multi‑year research program that addresses barriers to industry adoption of natural capital assessment and accounting. This includes developing processes, tools and analytical frameworks that integrate biophysical, spatial, economic and financial data, aligned with emerging international standards.
Working closely with industry, government and academic partners, the role aims to strengthen the industry’s ability to quantify, value and manage natural capital, supporting better decision‑making, market development, disclosure and nature‑related transition planning. The position sits at the intersection of science, economics and policy, with a strong emphasis on translating research into practical, industry‑ready outcomes. Relocation and visa sponsorship may be considered for the ideal candidate.
What you’ll do:
- Deliver a natural capital research program for the forest industry, translating international frameworks and standards into practical tools, methods and guidance.
- Senior: Makes substantial contributions to program delivery.
- Principal: Leads and is accountable for overall program direction and success.
- Advance industry adoption of natural capital assessment and accounting by integrating biophysical, spatial, economic and financial data to support decision‑making, markets and disclosure.
- Senior: Leads defined research streams and applications.
- Principal: Sets strategic priorities and ensures integration across themes.
- Produce high‑quality, high‑impact research and secure funding that strengthens UTAS’s leadership at the nature‑economy interface.
- Senior: Publishes research of national and emerging international standing and contributes to funding success.
- Principal: Publishes research of established international standing and leads major funding initiatives.
- Build research capability and culture through supervision, mentoring and collaboration within and across multidisciplinary teams.
- Senior: Supervises HDR students to successful completion.
- Principal: Supervises HDR students and mentors postdoctoral and early‑career researchers, providing senior academic leadership.
- Develop and maintain strong industry, government and research partnerships to maximise research impact and adoption.
- Senior: Builds productive stakeholder relationships and supports co‑design.
- Principal: Drives strategic national and international partnerships and profile‑raising activity.
What we’re looking for:
- Doctoral qualification and deep disciplinary expertise in fields such as biological sciences, environmental data systems, ecological economics, modelling and spatial science, or nature‑based markets and innovation.
- Senior: PhD with strong expertise across at least two relevant fields.
- Principal: PhD with a substantial, internationally recognised body of expertise across multiple fields.
- Demonstrated research excellence at the nature–economy interface, with a strong publication record and recognised contributions to natural capital, sustainability or applied environmental research.
- Senior: Research of national standing and growing international recognition.
- Principal: Research of established international standing and influence.
- Proven ability to attract research funding and deliver major projects, including translating complex research into applied, industry‑relevant outcomes.
- Senior: Successful contributor to competitive grants and funded projects.
- Principal: Leads major funding bids and provides strategic leadership on funding and research direction.
- Strong leadership and supervision capability, building research capacity through HDR supervision and collaborative, multidisciplinary teamwork.
- Senior: Successful supervision of HDR students to completion.
- Principal: Substantial HDR supervision record, plus mentoring of postdoctoral and early‑career researchers and demonstrated academic leadership.
- Excellent engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships with industry, government and research partners and support research adoption.
- Senior: Builds and maintains effective stakeholder relationships and supports co‑design activities.
- Principal: Leads strategic national and international partnerships, profile‑raising and industry engagement.
Salary details
Appointment to this role will be at Academic Level C or D and will have a remuneration range package of between $162,087 - $210,621 comprising base salary within the range of $138,536 to $180,018 plus 17% superannuation.
How to Apply
- To apply online, please provide the following supporting documentation:
- Resume
- Cover letter outlining your suitability and motivation for the role
- Your responses to the success criteria from the Position Description below
- For further information about this position, please contact Professor Barry Brook, Head of Discipline, Biological Sciences, Barry.Brook@utas.edu.au
- Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
- For current UTAS staff, in submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
- Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.
Position Description - Principal Research Fellow - Natural Capital - Level C.pdf
Position Description - Principal Research Fellow - Natural Capital - Level D.pdf
Applications close Wednesday 27 May 2026, 11.55pm
The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.
As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks will be conducted as part of the selection process.
Advertised: 17 Apr 2026 Tasmania Standard Time
Applications close: 27 May 2026 Tasmania Standard Time
Unlock this job opportunity
View more options below
View full job details
See the complete job description, requirements, and application process
