About The Team The Harry Butler Institute (HBI) is one of four Murdoch University research institutes delivering practical solutions that balance sustainability principles with economic growth. HBI is a world-class group of researchers, with strong links to government, business and the community, and aim to make a difference in addressing research challenges that will influence scientific endeavour. Your New Role! This 2-year fixed term position focuses on understanding the ecology, distribution, habitat associations, and vulnerability of short-range endemic (SRE) terrestrial invertebrates to support environmental impact assessments and management decisions. Research activities will focus on improving field-based survey and sampling, developing frameworks for assessing conservation significance and impact risk, and integrating ecological data into applied decision making. As accurate specifies identification underpins these ecological studies, the successful applicant will be expected to work with a team of experts in invertebrate taxonomy and systematics and contribute to these outputs where necessary. As a Research Fellow, you will work as part of a broader team, whilst a Senior Research Fellow is expected to build a team of research staff to support their role, specifically for field and laboratory work. Both roles may contribute to teaching through the preparation and delivery of lectures and tutorials, and co-supervision of Honours and postgraduate students. You will also be involved in a broad range of administrative and service functions in the Harry Butler Institute and across the University and engage in relevant professional activities within the discipline. Please refer to the specific Position Description for further details on key responsibilities of each role: Research Fellow Position Description Senior Research Fellow Position Description What We Offer You! This Fixed Term (2 years) | Full Time (37.5 hours per week) position attracts the following remuneration: Research Fellow | $113,000 - $134,000 plus 17% employer superannuation contributions. Senior Research Fellow | $138,000 - $159,000 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: Research Fellow PhD in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, or a closely related discipline related to the appointment. Experience in conducting field work in remote locations targeting terrestrial invertebrates. Research experience, shown through publications, in the ecology, conservation biology, or environmental assessment of terrestrial invertebrates. Experience in applying quantitative analytical methods in ecological or conservation research. Ability to work under broad direction, exercise initiative in undertaking research tasks and contribute to the supervision and coordination of research staff and students as part of a team. Capacity to generate high quality research outputs relevant to the area, with evidence of developing a national research profile. Experience in contributing to the preparation and management of external research funding. Senior Research Fellow PhD in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, or a closely related discipline related to the appointment. Demonstrated experience in managing and conducting field work in remote locations, targeting terrestrial invertebrates. High-level expertise, shown through publications, in the ecology, conservation biology, or environmental assessment of terrestrial invertebrates. Experience in applying advanced analytical methods in ecological or conservation research. Ability to work under broad direction, exercise initiative, and lead research activities, including the supervision and coordination of research staff and students. Demonstrated success in generating high quality independent research outputs relevant to ecology, conservation, or environmental assessment, with national recognition and developing an international profile. Track record of success in obtaining and successfully managing external research funding, in particular industry funds for environmental assessment studies. Applicants should refer to the relevant Position Descriptions 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 Prof. Melissa Thomas melissa.thomas@murdoch.edu.au and quote JR104851 as the reference. Applications Close on 15/03/2026 (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.
