Research Fellow in Community Ecology / Spatial Ecology

Caption: Lead innovative coastal field experiments and quantitative ecological research to understand the rules structuring marine biodiversity across space.

Role type: Full Time; Fixed Term for 3 years 
Faculty: Faculty of Science 
School:  School of BioSciences 
Salary: Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super (PhD entry Level A.6 $110,319 p.a. plus 17% super)

• Fully funded three-year postdoc in community and spatial ecology / Lead a flagship large-scale intertidal field experiment / Develop your independent research profile within a collaborative, high-performing School of BioSciences program

• Apply now to drive ambitious coastal experiments, advance ecological theory, and accelerate your development as an independent researcher.

• 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 lead a large-scale intertidal field experiment while developing cutting-edge quantitative analyses of biodiversity patterns. You will gain deep expertise in community and spatial ecology, and shape your independent research trajectory.

What you will deliver:

• Lead the design, implementation, and day-to-day delivery of a large-scale intertidal field experiment in coastal systems.

• Analyse field-collected data using quantitative and spatial methods, and develop models linking empirical patterns to ecological mechanisms.

• Prepare high-quality manuscripts, conference presentations, and reports that communicate research findings to academic and broader audiences.

• Contribute to grant applications, supervise and mentor students, and support collaborative projects within the research program.

• Engage with School activities, seminars, and outreach, promoting diversity, inclusion, and public understanding of ecological science.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a completed or near-completed PhD in ecology or a closely related discipline.

• Demonstrate strong experience designing and delivering field-based ecological research, ideally including coastal, marine, or intertidal environments.

• Bring advanced quantitative skills, including proficiency in R, and experience analysing complex field datasets using robust methods.

• Show a developing track record of peer-reviewed publications and clear ambition to build an academic research career.

• Exhibit excellent organisational and project management abilities, maintaining momentum from experimental planning through to synthesis and publication.

• Value collaborative, inclusive team environments and enjoy mentoring students and engaging with external partners and stakeholders.

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 – School of BioSciences 
You will join the School of BioSciences at the University of Melbourne, a strong research environment. The program on community assembly and biodiversity maintenance brings together researchers interested in ecological mechanisms and patterns. You will benefit from regular interaction, seminars, and mentoring that support your development as an independent researcher.

Be Yourself  
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants  
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [email protected].

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.

• This role is eligible for visa sponsorship and we welcome international applicants. If successful, we will support you through this process.

• 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 Lynette Loke at [email protected]

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Lachlan Bryce at [email protected]

• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

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

Applications close: ​22 June 2026​ 11:59 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: JR-012722 Research Fellow in Community Ecology,Spatial Ecology_PD.pdf

JR-012722 Research Fellow in Community Ecology, Spatial Ecology.doc