Research Fellow in Social Change, Agricultural Emissions Management

Role type: Full Time (1.0 FTE); Fixed Term for 3 years
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/ School: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences
Salary: Salary commensurate with experience:
Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super
Level B: $124,656 - $148,023 p.a. plus 17% super

Transdisciplinary climate impact role in zero-net agriculture.
Join a leading rural innovation group and apply your social science expertise to transform emissions-smart agriculture.
Investing in you – 17% superannuation, 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
You will drive collaborative social research that supports farmers and regions to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.
You will gain national networks, field experience and real-world impact through the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture CRC.

What you will deliver:

• Conduct high-quality social research on innovation systems, scaling and Living Labs for zero-net emissions agriculture.
• Co-design and facilitate research activities with farmers, advisors, industry bodies and communities across multiple Australian regions.
• Produce scholarly publications, reports and presentations, and contribute to seminars and conferences nationally and internationally.
• Supervise and mentor students, supporting high-quality research projects aligned with agricultural sustainability and social change.
• Contribute to grant proposals, project management, school committees and CRC activities that strengthen collaborative research capacity.

You may be a great fit if:

• Hold a completed PhD in a social science related to agriculture, environment or natural resource management.
• Bring demonstrated experience working with Australian farmers, advisors, industry organisations, government or rural communities on change initiatives.
• Demonstrate expertise in transdisciplinary methods such as action research, community engagement, facilitation, extension or behaviour change.
• Show a developing track record of independent research, including peer-reviewed publications, relative to opportunity.
• Possess experience supervising students or staff, and collaborating effectively within diverse, multi-stakeholder research teams.
• Demonstrate willingness to travel regularly, including to regional and remote sites, and familiarity with emissions issues desirable.

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 fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – The School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences
You will join the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences within the Faculty of Science.
The School brings together leading researchers across agriculture, ecology and food systems to tackle global sustainability challenges.
Working with the Rural Innovation Research Group and ZNEAg CRC partners, you will co-create solutions with communities.

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Prof. Ruth Nettle at ranettle@unimelb.edu.au
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Oliver Bukasa at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Applications close: 15 April 2026. 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.