PrincipalSenior Research Fellow Natural Capital

• Ability to integrate complex biophysical and economic data translate research into industryready solutions
• Ability to lead or contribute to large collaborative programs
• Full time Fixed-Term 4 Years Based in Hobart

About the opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Senior or Principal Research Fellow - Natural Capital to play a key role in advancing a major forest industry research program within the Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) Centre for Sustainable Resource and Product Solutions (CSRPS) at the University of Tasmania.

This researchfocused role centres on mainstreaming natural capital concepts and practice across the Australian forest industry. The successful candidate will contribute to (Senior level) or lead (Principal level) a multiyear research program that addresses barriers to industry adoption of natural capital assessment and accounting. This includes developing processes tools and analytical frameworks that integrate biophysical spatial economic and financial data aligned with emerging international standards.

Working closely with industry government and academic partners the role aims to strengthen the industrys ability to quantify value and manage natural capital supporting better decisionmaking market development disclosure and naturerelated transition planning. The position sits at the intersection of science economics and policy with a strong emphasis on translating research into practical industryready outcomes. Relocation and visa sponsorship may be considered for the ideal candidate.

What youll do:

• Deliver a natural capital research program for the forest industry translating international frameworks and standards into practical tools methods and guidance.

Senior: Makes substantial contributions to program delivery.

Principal: Leads and is accountable for overall program direction and success.

• Advance industry adoption of natural capital assessment and accounting by integrating biophysical spatial economic and financial data to support decisionmaking markets and disclosure.

Senior: Leads defined research streams and applications.

Principal: Sets strategic priorities and ensures integration across themes.

• Produce highquality highimpact research and secure funding that strengthens UTASs leadership at the natureeconomy interface.

Senior: Publishes research of national and emerging international standing and contributes to funding success.

Principal: Publishes research of established international standing and leads major funding initiatives.

• Build research capability and culture through supervision mentoring and collaboration within and across multidisciplinary teams.

Senior: Supervises HDR students to successful completion.

Principal: Supervises HDR students and mentors postdoctoral and earlycareer researchers providing senior academic leadership.

• Develop and maintain strong industry government and research partnerships to maximise research impact and adoption.

Senior: Builds productive stakeholder relationships and supports codesign.

Principal: Drives strategic national and international partnerships and profileraising activity.

What were looking for:

• Doctoral qualification and deep disciplinary expertise in fields such as biological sciences environmental data systems ecological economics modelling and spatial science or naturebased markets and innovation.

Senior: PhD with strong expertise across at least two relevant fields.

Principal: PhD with a substantial internationally recognised body of expertise across multiple fields.

• Demonstrated research excellence at the natureeconomy interface with a strong publication record and recognised contributions to natural capital sustainability or applied environmental research.

Senior: Research of national standing and growing international recognition.

Principal: Research of established international standing and influence.

• Proven ability to attract research funding and deliver major projects including translating complex research into applied industryrelevant outcomes.

Senior: Successful contributor to competitive grants and funded projects.

Principal: Leads major funding bids and provides strategic leadership on funding and research direction.

• Strong leadership and supervision capability building research capacity through HDR supervision and collaborative multidisciplinary teamwork.

Senior: Successful supervision of HDR students to completion.

Principal: Substantial HDR supervision record plus mentoring of postdoctoral and earlycareer researchers and demonstrated academic leadership.

• Excellent engagement and communication skills with the ability to build productive relationships with industry government and research partners and support research adoption.

Senior: Builds and maintains effective stakeholder relationships and supports codesign activities.

Principal: Leads strategic national and international partnerships profileraising and industry engagement.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at Academic Level C or D and will have a remuneration range package of between $162087 - $210621 comprising base salary within the range of $138536 to $180018 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• To apply online please provide the following supporting documentation:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter outlining your suitability and motivation for the role
  • Your responses to the success criteria from the Position Description below
• For further information about this position please contact Professor Barry Brook Head of Discipline Biological Sciences
• Please visit for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• For current UTAS staff in submitting your application you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

Position Description - Principal Research Fellow - Natural Capital - Level

Position Description - Principal Research Fellow - Natural Capital - Level

Applications close Wednesday 27 May 2026 11.55pm

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace employment history and police checks will be conducted as part of the selection process.