Level A Step 6 (PhD) from $97,621 to $104,622 plus 17% employer’s superannuation and annual leave loading | Full-time, 2 Year FTC
Integrative insect biology research: Conduct cutting-edge research at the interface of nutrition, immunity, infection biology, and physiological adaptation in insects under climate change
Leadership and mentoring: Lead laboratory and field experiments, contribute to method development, and support the supervision and training of research students
The Role
An exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral position exists in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University. We are seeking a qualified postdoctoral fellow to join a team with an international reputation for producing high quality research outcomes in the area of insect biology.
We seek a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct research on insect biology at the intersection of nutrition, immunity, infection biology, and adaptive physiology, with a focus on responses to climate change. The role involves experimental research, data analysis, publication of findings, and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.
Reporting to the Associate Professor Fleur Ponton, the postdoctoral fellow will:
Develop scientific methods: new assays or models for measuring immunity, metabolic traits, pathogen load, or stress tolerance
Collect data: curated datasets, protocols, analytical pipelines, and reproducible workflows
Prepare scientific publications and preprints
Grant and funding contributions: input into fellowship and project grant applications
Supervise and mentor MRes, PhD students, or research assistants
Collaborate and engage: interdisciplinary projects, industry links, and outreach or stakeholder activities
Build a team: training workshops, lab setup, and skill transfer within the group
The successful candidate will have strong skills in experimental insect biology, with demonstrated expertise in physiological, nutritional, immunological, or infection‐biology assays. They should be proficient in data analysis and statistics, with experience in handling complex biological datasets, and confident in scientific writing and publication. A strong capacity for independent research, problem-solving, and collaboration is essential, along with an interest in climate-driven biological change. Experience with insect rearing, experimental design, and interdisciplinary research will be highly valued.
About Us
The Faculty of Science and Engineering is a young and dynamic faculty driven by the spirit of discovery. Here we nurture the next generation of science and technology innovators. From a handful of students on the University’s first day, the faculty now serves over 8,000 students across all our courses.
The School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University was established on 1 January 2022 through the amalgamation of the Departments of Biological Sciences, Molecular Sciences, and Earth and Environmental Sciences. The School is the largest in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and is a vibrant community of educators, researchers and students working across a wide range of biological, biomolecular, biomedical, chemical, environmental and geoscience disciplines.
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Celebrating its 60th year in 2024, it was established as a bold experiment in higher education and designed to break from educational traditions to work in tandem with industry. Institutionally we strive for the extraordinary by challenging convention and embracing different views. Our pioneering culture has encouraged and inspired students, staff and collaborators to break free from conventional thinking, and to actively shape the complex issues that define the future of humanity.
Selection Criteria
To be considered for this position, applicants must address the selection criteria below, and attach your CV (including a list of two referees), a statement of research interests and achievements.
Essential
A PhD in entomology, ecology, immunology, or a related discipline, and/or relevant experience with a combination of qualifications and skills
Experience in experimental insect biology, including at least one of the following: nutrition, immunity, host–pathogen interactions, stress physiology, or climate-related experimental work
Ability to undertake original experimental research, as evidenced by impactful and high-quality outputs
Ability to foster a nurturing environment for research students, including the provision of research student supervision
Demonstrated capacity to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability for analytical thinking and independent problem solving
Desirable
Strong quantitative skills, including statistical modelling and data analysis in R
Experience conducting climate-related experiments
Experience with insect rearing and experimental systems in laboratory and/or field settings
Evidence of independent funding applications (e.g. fellowships, grants) or contributions to successful grants
Demonstrated ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment
Experience with scientific communication and outreach to academic or non-academic audiences
Evidence of mentoring or leadership in research teams
Kindly please note that Applicants must have full, unrestricted Australian work rights to be eligible for this role.
For role-specific enquiries, please contact our Head of School, Natural Sciences, at fleur.ponton@mq.edu.au.
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
19/12/2025 11:59 PM
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.