Research Fellow

PRIMARY DETAIL

• Salary: $123,435 - $146,044 per annum (Level B.1 – B.6) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Full-time, 2-year fixed term role
• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Pioneer research at the intersection of nature, wellbeing and sustainability — and help shape how we live in harmony with the world around us

Are you a researcher and educator passionate about understanding the profound connections between people and the natural world? Macquarie University's Australian Harmony Centre for Ecosystem Futures (Harmony Centre) is seeking a forward-thinking Research Fellow, with expertise in sustainability sciences and environmental psychology to join a vibrant, interdisciplinary community dedicated to reimagining our relationship with nature.

You will contribute to groundbreaking research, inspire the next generation of sustainability leaders through postgraduate teaching, and help attract funding that drives real-world impact.

If you thrive on collaboration, are energised by translating research into meaningful change, and want to work within a university that values bold, interdisciplinary thinking, we would love to hear from you.

About the Role

As a Research Fellow within the Harmony Centre, you will play a central role in advancing the Centre's research mission while contributing to high-quality postgraduate education. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and conducting research into nature connection and wellbeing, contributing to the Centre's growing body of evidence-based insights
• Using the Macquarie University campus, and other partner sites as living labs to investigate sustainability challenges and solutions in real-world settings
• Teaching into the postgraduate sustainability, environment and conservation coursework Master's degrees, bringing contemporary research directly into the learning experience
• Collaborating across disciplinary boundaries with researchers in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences (particularly the School of Psychological Sciences), Macquarie Business School and the Faculty of Arts
• Pursuing competitive grant and philanthropic funding opportunities aligned to the Harmony Centre's vision
• Contributing to the Centre's strategic direction and its profile as a leader in sustainability and environmental psychology research
• Co-Supervising and mentoring higher degree research students

About Us

The Harmony Centre at Macquarie University is an interdisciplinary hub dedicated to exploring and strengthening the connections between people, nature and wellbeing. Anchored in rigorous research and a commitment to sustainability, the Centre leverages Macquarie's unique assets — including its biodiverse campus as a living laboratory for discovery and innovation. The Centre fosters collaboration across faculties and with external partners to generate insights that inform policy, practice and community action.

Macquarie University is a dynamic, research-intensive institution located on a spacious, parkland campus in North Ryde, Sydney. Ranked among the top two percent of universities globally, Macquarie is recognised for its commitment to interdisciplinary research, industry engagement and preparing graduates who make a difference. Our community is built on a culture of curiosity, collaboration and genuine care for one another and the world we share.

About You

You are an innovative and collaborative researcher with expertise in sustainability sciences and environmental psychological science. You bring a genuine passion for understanding how people relate to the natural world and a commitment to translating that understanding into positive outcomes for communities and ecosystems. You are equally at home leading a research program, inspiring students in the classroom, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and forging partnerships across disciplines and sectors.

Selection Criteria:

• A PhD in environmental psychological science, sustainability science or a closely related discipline
• A strong and growing research track record in nature connection, wellbeing and/or sustainability, evidenced by quality publications and research outputs (relative to opportunity)
• Demonstrated experience or clear potential in securing competitive research grants or philanthropic funding
• Experience in, or aptitude for, teaching in sustainability, environment or conservation programs in higher education
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across disciplines, with a commitment to interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research
• Experience or interest in utilising living lab or place-based research approaches
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders including academic colleagues, students, industry and community partners

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV, and a cover letter outlining your understanding and interest in the role, the skills and experience you will bring, and how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above) [maximum 3 pages].

Applications Close: Tuesday 19th of May 2026 at 11:59pm (AEST).

Candidates must have Valid Australian Working rights.

This role requires police/criminal history checks.

*We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.*

For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Kate Williams – TA Consultant – k.williams@mq.edu.au.