Research Associate or Research Fellow (Quantitative and Spatial Ecologist)

About The Team

The Harry Butler Institute is one of the three Murdoch University institutes, bringing together leading researchers from across the University to deliver world-class, multidisciplinary translational research for the benefit of government, industry, and the community. It units disciplines that support the coexistence of business and biodiversity, creating community value while protecting the environment.

The Institute’s core purpose is to honour the legacy of Dr, Harry Butler by advancing in science, education, and environmental management, reflecting his belief that conservation and development and coexist.

Your New Role!  

We are looking for a Research Associate (Level A) or a Research Fellow (Level B).

This 2-year fixed term position focuses on delivering applied, industry-funded research on the spatial ecology of rare species, using quantitative and spatial analysis to inform biodiversity management, environmental impact assessment, and environmental decision-making.

Both the Research Associate and Research Fellow contribute to industry-focused ecological research through quantitative and spatial modelling, integration of diverse ecological datasets, and the production of high-quality technical reports and peer-reviewed publications. Both roles work closely with taxonomists, field ecologists, and external stakeholders, support robust and transparent analyses aligned with regulatory expectations, and participate in Institute service and professional activities, with opportunities for field-based work.

The Research Associate role is more development-focused, emphasising in the application of established analytical approaches, supporting sampling design and data analysis, and building research expertise within a guided, team-based environment.

The Research Fellow role involves a higher level of independence and leadership, including developing and refining analytical methods, delivering client-ready and defensible outputs, supporting or coordinating research activities, and contributing to teaching, supervision, and broader professional and disciplinary engagement.

Please refer to the specific Position Description for further details on key responsibilities of each role:

• Research Associate Position Description (Level A)

• Research Fellow Position Description (Level B)
   

What We Offer You!

This Fixed Term (2 Years) | Full Time (37.5 hours per week) position attracts the following remuneration:

• Research Associate: $79,915 -$107,770 plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.  
• Research Fellow: $113,247.00- $134,148 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 Associate

• Relevant postgraduate qualification in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, or a closely related discipline relevant to the appointment
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative and spatial ecological analysis, including statistical modelling and species distribution or habitat mapping
• Proven ability to produce high-quality research outputs and prepare clear, concise technical reports for academic, industry, and government audiences
• Capability to work with initiative under broad direction, contributing effectively to research teams, including supporting students or research assistants
• Strong interpersonal skills with experience contributing to interdisciplinary research, service activities, and external research funding, including industry-funded projects
   

Research Fellow

• PhD in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, or a closely related discipline
• Extensive experience in quantitative and spatial ecological analysis, including statistical modelling, species distribution or habitat mapping, and integration of complex datasets
• Demonstrated excellence in written or oral communication, including preparation of clear, client-ready technical reports and communication with academic, industry, and government stakeholders
• Strong capability to work independently under broad direction, providing leadership in research activities and contributing to the supervision and coordination of research staff and students
• Proven record of high-quality research outputs with evidence of a developing national research profile, and experience contributing to and managing external (particularly industry-funded) research projects.
   

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 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 Professor Melissa Thomas, melissa.thomas@murdoch.edu and quote JR105204 as the reference.   

Applications Close on 22 May 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.