"Research Fellow in Natural Capital"

Role type: Full-Time; Fixed term for 12 months

Faculty: Faculty of Science

Department/School: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences

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

• Contribute to climate-smart forestry research
• Conduct field surveys in diverse Victorian landscapes
• 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 Natural Capital, you'll play a crucial role in a groundbreaking project exploring sustainable forestry practices. You'll conduct field-based surveys, analyse natural capital values, and perform carbon life-cycle analyses across eastern Victoria's agricultural landscapes. This position offers you the opportunity to contribute to climate-smart forestry research, working with industry partners and multiple universities to shape the future of Australia's forest and wood products industry.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead Field Research: Plan and execute field-based surveys to assess natural capital values, including forest structure, composition, and fauna diversity.
• Analyse and Report: Process and analyse field data, contribute to high-impact publications, and present findings at conferences and workshops.
• Collaborate and Engage: Work closely with industry partners, participate in project meetings, and contribute to research proposals.
• Support Education: Assist in supervising and mentoring research students at undergraduate and graduate levels.

You may be a great fit if:

You are a dedicated researcher with a PhD in forest ecology or a related field, possessing strong field research skills, data analysis expertise, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

You may also:

• Have a PhD (or be near completion) in forest ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline.
• Possess experience in designing and implementing field-based research programs.
• Demonstrate expertise in forest composition, structure, and fauna surveying methods.
• Have strong statistical data analysis skills and a sound publication record.
• Show excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English.

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

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences

The School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences (SAFES) has a vision of flourishing environments and communities. The school brings together diverse discipline strengths to lead the development of new interdisciplinary thinking and high-impact solutions for global challenges relating to climate change, food security, healthy food systems, biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, invasive species, and environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural practices.

Science at Melbourne is a global leader across discovery and applied scientific research and education. We are committed to the values of curiosity, excellence, impact and integrity. With deep disciplinary knowledge our faculty is uniquely positioned to take a globally leading role in understanding, exploring and shaping our world and humanity, within a truly comprehensive Faculty of Science.