About The Team

The School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences (ECS), located at Murdoch University, South Street Campus is a multi-disciplinary school based within the College of Environmental and Life Sciences. ECS offers three undergraduate majors in Conservation & Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science & Management, and Marine Biology, as well as Graduate Certificate in Environmental Assessment & Management, Graduate Diploma and Master in Environmental Science. We pride ourselves in offering strong experiential learning in all our offerings and all our offerings are achieving high student satisfaction ratings. Murdoch is well respected for translational, impactful research. Research in ECS is diverse and multi-disciplinary with an applied focus on solving environmental, policy, and conservation challenges. We deliver research excellence through collaboration with government, industry, NGOs and Traditional Owners. Our school values and enjoys a positive research culture for emerging and established research staff and a large group of higher-degree students. The successful fellow will work in the Physiology, Ecology and Conservation Lab led by Adrian Gleiss, where they will be part of a dynamic group of scientists working on the organismal biology of marine organisms (www.PEAClab.org).

Your New Role!

A Research Fellow is expected to carry out activities to develop scholarly research and professional expertise relevant to the profession or discipline. This position contributes to the research efforts of the school through the undertaking of fieldwork, laboratory work, data analysis and production of peer-reviewed publications and technical reports, as well as supporting postgraduate supervision.

Your Key responsibilities will include –

Please refer to the Position Description for further details.

Conduct Innovative Research on the locomotion and biomechanics of cephalopods.
Lead and collaborate on original research projects addressing pressing issues in marine ecosystems and marine biodiversity.
Fieldwork and Data Collection. Design and carry out field studies both locally and internationally on cephalopod energetics and biomechanics.
Conduct experiments under laboratory conditions to advance our understanding of cephalopod locomotion and energetics.
Data Analysis and Modelling. Process and interpret complex environmental and biological datasets using advanced statistical, modelling, or GIS techniques.
Publication and Dissemination. Prepare high-quality research articles, reports, and presentations for peer-reviewed journals, conferences, stakeholder meetings, and public outreach.
Grant Writing and Project Development. Secure competitive funding through proposal writing and play a key role in expanding the research program’s impact.
Collaboration and Networking. Foster partnerships with universities, government agencies, NGOs, Indigenous communities, and international collaborators to enhance research outcomes and knowledge exchange.
Mentoring and Supervision. Guide postgraduate students, junior researchers, and interns in laboratory methods, field techniques, and academic development.
Contribution to Strategic Goals. Align research initiatives with institutional priorities, contribute to departmental planning, and support marine conservation and sustainability objectives.

What We Offer You!

This Fixed Term (3 Years) |Full Time attracts a remuneration of $78,348 – $105,656 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:

Periodic salary increases between 1 July 2025 to 1 July 2026 totalling an 6% increase!
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:

A PhD in marine science or a closely related area
Demonstrated experience in the use biologging data as it pertains to the study of locomotion of cephalopods under natural conditions
Demonstrated experience in the study of squid locomotion and energetics using flumes and respirometers
Experience in computer programming languages including MatLab for analysis of biologging data, ArcGIS for mapping and visualisations and Autodesk Fusion 360 for 3-dimensional design and modelling.
Demonstrated ability to work under broad direction only, exercise initiative in undertaking responsibilities and work effectively as a team member.
Well-developed interpersonal skills, past success in working effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary, collegial team.
Demonstrated ability to engage in high quality independent research.
Well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary and collegial team
Demonstrated high levels of written and oral communication skills in English.

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.

Visa sponsorship and relocation may be available for the right candidate.

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 Adrian Gleiss, Senior Lecturer Marine Biology, a.gleiss@murdoch.edu.au and quote JR104131 as the reference.

Applications Close on 6th September 2025 (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.