Postdoctoral Research Associate

About The Team

The School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences (ECS) in the College of Environmental and Life Sciences is a multidisciplinary hub delivering applied research on environmental policy and conservation challenges. ECS works closely with government industry NGOs and Traditional Owners and maintains a strong supportive research culture for staff and higher-degree students.

The Harry Butler Institute (HBI) is a leading Murdoch University research centre dedicated to aligning community industry and biodiversity outcomes. This role is based within the Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability (TESS) where researchers collaborate with community and industry partners to advance sustainable biodiverse ecosystems. TESS includes 17 academic staff and over 100 HDR students committed to rigorous science underpinning biodiversity conversation.

Your New Role!

A Level A Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct scholarly research and develop professional expertise relevant to the discipline.

In collaboration with Murdoch researchers and external partners the project will address two key haps in Pilbara leaf-nosed bat (PLNB) conservation: (1) their vulnerability to climate change and (2) the drivers of seasonable and annual changes in colony size). The role will involve diverse methods including cave microclimate modelling physiological assays population dynamics automated monitoring movement ecology and predictive vulnerability modelling.

Your key responsibilities will include

• Research Delivery: Undertake research to meet the objectives of the Pilbara leaf-nosed bat risk and adaptation to changing environments project contributing to study design data collection analysis ethics and licensing applications report writing journal manuscripts and presenting findings at national and international forums.
• Project Coordination and Collaboration: Lead coordination of the project by organising activities across team members and external partners integrating research outputs and ensuring a cohesive and inclusive approach to achieving project goals
• Academic and Funding Contributions: Support student supervision and teaching where appropriate provide guidance to students actively pursue external competitive research funding (individually or in teams) and undertake additional duties as required.

Please refer to the Position Description for further details.

What We Offer You!

This Fixed Term (3 Years) Full Time (37.5 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $79915.00 $107770.00 (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.

Youll 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 guaranteed pay growth with a 2% salary increase coming on 1 July 2026 under the Murdoch University Enterprise Agreement 2023!
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8944 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 youll bring to the role:

• PhD in Ecological Physiology or a related discipline with experience conducting field research in challenging and physically demanding environments
• Proficiency in experimental techniques such as open flow respirometry PIT tagging and telemetry
• Strong quantitative skills including advanced use of R programming language and mechanistic modelling with observational and modelled climate data
• Demonstrated track record of high-quality independent research outputs and experience supervising research students
• Excellent written and verbal communication strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders across industry government NGOs and community

Please note the successful candidate will be required to undertake a criminal record check in accordance with the Universitys Criminal Record Screening Procedure and Employee Background Checks Procedure.

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 theApplicant Guidefor 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 Nicholas Wu Lecturer Wildlife Ecology and quote JR104742 as the reference.

Applications Close on 26 January 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.