Research Fellow Grade 1

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.

Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

• Two fixed term (3 year), full time Research Fellow positions available
• Based as any or our Griffith University campus locations

The School of Environment and Science maintains an illustrious research position across numerous industry sectors, guiding and informing its learning and teaching. Our school is committed to contributing to the planet's sustainable future by identifying and measuring environmental problems and offering solution-driven approaches. Our research and teaching staff are acknowledged as world industry leaders, working across the broad science and environment disciplines enabling us to develop and deliver comprehensive study programs. We partner with industry, government, and the community to drive innovation and achieve success.

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Research Fellow Grade 1 to join our dynamic research team in Nathan, Australia. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be housed within Griffith University’s School of Environment and Science and funded by the Nature Positive Linkage Project, led by Dr. Michelle Ward (Griffith University), Prof. Hugh Possingham (UQ), Prof. Brendan Wintle (University of Melbourne), Prof. Andrew MacIntosh (ANU), Prof. Albert van Dijk (ANU), Prof. Don Butler (ANU), Dr. Andrew Dowdy (University of Melbourne), Assoc. Prof. Peter Scarth (UQ), Prof. Fran Sheldon (Griffith), WWF-Australia, Bush Heritage Australia, and Australian Agricultural Company (AACo).

Our technical advisory group includes Dr. Teagan Sheilds, Prof. Martine Maron, Prof. Stephen van Leeuwen, Barry Hunter (North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance), Dr. Anna Richards, Dr. Lynne Macdonald, Rachel Martin, Dr. Joe Bull, Prof. Francisco Ascui, and Jarrod Holmes (Indigenous Desert Alliance).

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you’ll take on complex local and global challenges, using your skills and experience to advance nature positive ambitions and drive meaningful change. Here’s how you’ll make it matter:

• You will develop, analyze and publish research on agreed-upon definitions, metrics, and framework for measuring nature positive, using several Australian properties as case studies.
• You will develop, analyze and publish research using the framework to test state-wide (Australian), Australia-wide, and global data.
• You will develop, analyze and publish research on the importance of counterfactuals and safeguards when using the definitions, metrics and framework.
• You will facilitate wide-scale uptake of our definitions, metrics, and framework
• You will develop an online tool that shows what actions are being done, what actions are needed, as well as demonstrates nature-positive status.

This is a fixed term (3 year), full time position based at any of our Griffith University campuses. As Griffith is a multi-campus University you may be required to work across other campus locations.

Salary Range

The full time equivalent base salary will be Research Fellow Grade 1 range $88,689 - $103,888 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $103,767 - $121,549 per annum.

The successful candidate for this position will hold a PhD in conservation biology, conservation ecology, or a related field.

You will also have:

• Strong quantitative and data analysis skills, with demonstrated experience using GIS, R, python, or other related tools.
• Strong statistical skills
• Working knowledge of nature positive, counterfactuals, and additionality.
• A strong track record of publishing high-quality research in peer-reviewed, high-impact journals, with experience presenting findings at national and international conferences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams, managing competing deadlines while maintaining effective communication with diverse stakeholders.

Why Griffith?

As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A one-page covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the qualifications above and the Position Number)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details
• Names and contact details of at least three professional referees (no contact will be made without your permission)

Applicants must have Australian working rights. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Dr Michelle Ward, School of Environment and Science at [email protected].

For application and recruitment advice, please contact Ms Corinna Gartrell, Talent Acquisition Partner at [email protected].

Closing date: Thursday 21 August, at 11:59pm AEST.  All applications must be submitted online.