Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Plant Ecology
Ref: 4301/24
Location: Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University
Eligibility: Internal Applicants Only. To be eligible to apply for this position you must be employed by Western Sydney University on an ongoing, fixed term or casual basis at the time of this advertisement.
In accordance with section 45.4 of the Academic Staff Agreement 2022, Casual academic staff are eligible to apply for appointment if they have been employed at Western Sydney University as a casual employee for at least two teaching sessions in the last 24 months.
Position Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term Position for 3 Years
Salary: $109,861 to $132,730 p.a. Inclusive of Superannuation + Leave Loading
The Opportunity
Are you passionate about plant ecology and eager to make a significant impact on biodiversity restoration? Western’s Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Plant Ecology to join the team. This role is part of a collaborative and multi-disciplinary research project led by Associate Professor Rachael Gallagher, titled “Restoration by design: improving biodiversity outcomes from Australia’s restoration investments.” Funded by the National Environmental Science Program – Resilient Landscapes Hub (NESP – RL Hub) and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW) this project aims to evaluate the ecological outcomes of previous public investments in restoration actions and translate these findings into policy-relevant insights.
As a Research Fellow, you will conduct field surveys across private lands in NSW, analysing ecosystem composition, structure, and function to assess the impact of previous restoration interventions. You will collaborate closely with the Restoration Science Team at NSW DCCEEW, integrating ecological data with social and economic factors to enhance restoration program delivery. Your work will contribute to strengthening government and industry capacity for informed restoration investments, aligning with national and international ecosystem restoration obligations.
In addition to your research responsibilities, you will engage in administrative tasks, produce high-quality reports, and prepare manuscripts for publication. You will also have the opportunity to develop and deliver innovative teaching methods and co-supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students. This role offers a unique chance to advance your career while contributing to meaningful environmental outcomes. For information about The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, please visit our webpage.
This is a full-time fixed-term position for 3 years based at Hawkesbury, although travel to other campuses of the University may be required. Please review the position description for further information.
About You
You hold a PhD in plant ecology or restoration science and bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in field ecology. Your expertise includes designing and implementing complex field research, and you have a keen eye for vegetation surveys and plant identification across diverse ecosystems. You are proficient in statistical and graphical analyses, particularly using platforms like R, and excel in data management and spatial data manipulation. Your strong track record of publishing in internationally recognised scientific journals speaks to your ability to communicate your findings effectively. Your passion for plant ecology and restoration science drives you to contribute meaningfully to advancing biodiversity restoration.
If you’re ready to make a difference in biodiversity restoration, apply now!
Remuneration Package:
Academic Level A $109,861 to $132,730 p.a. (comprising Salary of $92,834 to $112,158 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading)
Position Enquiries:
Please direct enquiries about the role to Associate Professor Rachael Gallagher via email.
Recruitment Enquiries:
Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Recruitment Team.
Closing Date:
8:30pm, Monday 14 October 2024
Working Rights in Australia - Eligibility:
You must provide evidence of your full-time working rights in Australia at time of application.
Please note, only those applications submitted via the WSU online recruitment system will be accepted.
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