Postdoctoral Research Associate/Research Fellow – Feral Cat Management

About The Team

The research program is led by the Harry Butler Institute (HBI). HBI is one of the three Murdoch University Institutes that bring together leading researchers from across the University to deliver world class interdisciplinary research that benefits the environment. HBI researchers work directly with the government, industry, and the community towards protecting the environment with relevant, applied research outcomes.

This project reflects a collaboration between Murdoch University and industry partners. It is based within the Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability (TESS). TESS brings together academic staff and research students working with community and industry partners to advance biodiversity conservation through high-quality scientific research.

Your New Role!

Murdoch University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Level A) or a Research Fellow (Level B) to support a research project focused on feral cat management and biodiversity conservation in the Northern Jarrah Forest.

Working with Murdoch researchers and external stakeholders, you will contribute to (and at Level B, help lead) field-based research, including survey and monitoring activities, population management approaches, and data analysis to inform conservation outcomes.

Your key responsibilities will include –

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Level A)

• Support field-based research, including vertebrate fauna surveys and application of animal ethics and permit requirements
• Contribute to data analysis and scholarly outputs, including reports, publications and presentations
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to research, supervision and broader academic activities
•

Research Fellow (Level B)

• Lead and contribute to experimental design, field-based research, and monitoring of vertebrate fauna, including animal ethics and permit requirements
• Analyse research data and produce high-quality outputs, including publications, reports, presentations, and funding applications
• Support project leadership, collaboration, and supervision of students and research staff

Please refer to the Position Descriptions for further details:

• Postdoctoral Research Associate (Level A) Position Description
• Research Fellow (Level B) Position Description

What We Offer You!

This Fixed Term (3.5 Years) | Full Time (37.5 hours per week) attracts the following remuneration:

• Postdoctoral Research Associate - $79,915-$107,770 plus 17% employer superannuation contributions
• Research Fellow - $113,247 - 134,148 plus 17% employer superannuation contributions

You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

• Enjoy a 2% salary increase under the Enterprise Agreement, effective July 2026

• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
• Indigenous Language Allowance
• Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our benefits and services page!

Join us!

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
• Your most recent resume (CV)

What you’ll bring to the role:

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Level A)

• PhD (or near completion) in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Conservation Biology, or a related field
• Experience in fieldwork and project coordination
• Strong statistical skills, including experience analysing large data sets (e.g. camera-trap data)
• Ability to undertake independent research with limited supervision
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to engage a range of stakeholders
•

Research Fellow (Level B)

• PhD in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Conservation Biology, or a related field
• Proven experience in project coordination, fieldwork, and stakeholder engagement
• Strong statistical and analytical skills, with experience managing large datasets
• Demonstrated research track record, including publications and success in research funding applications
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and supervision skills within multidisciplinary environments

Please note, the successful candidate will require a willingness and ability to travel within the state on a regular basis, and work in remote field sites and outside of normal office hours when required. The occupant of this position will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical and fitness tests, including drug and alcohol clearance to access field sites.

Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Professor Trish Fleming, [email protected] and quote JR104713 as the reference

Applications Close on 12 June 2026 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.