Research Fellow, Forest Ecosystem Scientist

Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-Time; Fixed-term for 1.5 years or Part-Time equivalent
Faculty: Science
Department/School: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences 
Salary: Level A – $80,258 – $108,906 (PhD entry level A.6 $101,460) p.a. plus 17% super

• Exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects spanning (and integrating) hydrology, geomorphology, forest dynamics and wildfire risk in natural forested landscapes
• Dynamic and collaborative team environment with opportunities for leading research publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and conferences
• Vibrant inner city (Parkville) campus location, with the Melbourne CBD at your doorstep

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate researcher interested in developing a research career in Forest Ecosystem Science. You will work as part of a group of researchers improving and integrating our understanding of a range of biophysicial processes in native forests including hydrology, geomorphology and wildfire science. Focus areas include tree water use, ecohydrology, post fire soil erosion and forest response to a changing climate. As part of a team you will contribute to the development of new conceptual models, the establishment of experimental sites in forests, the analysis of remotely sensed and field data, and the creation of models for understanding and predicting a range of biophysical processes in forests.  

Your responsibilities will include:

• Working under the guidance of the Chief Investigators, planning and carrying out research spanning/integrating the disciplines of hydrology, geomorphology, forest dynamics and wildfire science
• Actively participating in communication and dissemination of research findings and their implications, to government, industry and collaborators
• Preparation and publication of research outcomes in conferences and journals and other scholarly outputs to a high academic standard in accordance with the research expectations of the University of Melbourne
• Actively contributing to the collegiate culture of the School and the Forest Hydrology Research Group

Who We Are Looking For

We're looking for candidates who demonstrate the ability to collaborate with industry partners and work independently within a close-knit team. It's also desirable for you to have a genuine interest in, multi-disciplinary research, remote sensing application, student supervision, grant funding application, and proficiency in coding.

You will also have:

• A PhD in Forest Science, Hydrology, Soil Science or other relevant biophysical discipline
• A record of high-quality research as evidenced by publications in leading journals and at conferences, commensurate with opportunity
• Demonstrated ability to develop, administer and see through to completion appropriately designed research projects with limited supervision
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with industry partners
• Demonstrated ability to work independently but also to contribute as a member of a close-knit team

Work Rights

Visa sponsorship may be considered for this position

Your New Team – The School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Science

The School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences has a vision of science for flourishing environments and communities. The School brings together diverse discipline strengths to lead the development of new interdisciplinary thinking and high-impact solutions for global challenges relating to climate change, food security, healthy food systems, biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, invasive species, and environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural practices. Our expertise spans biophysical, social and technical sciences, and we support a large cohort of PhD students across these domains - https://safes.unimelb.edu.au/

What We Offer You!

In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page!

About the University of Melbourne

We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. 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 and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.

Be Yourself

We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We encourage and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier-free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact us at hr-talent@unimelb.edu.au.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We recognise that reconciliation is central to our purpose. For more information, please visit our Reconciliation page.

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: 

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

Prior applicants are not required to resubmit their application documents, as these have been retained on file.

Applications close: 24 Sep 2023 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time

Position Description: 0059132_Research Fellow (Forest Ecosystem Scientist_PD.pdf