Research Assistant - NESP

• Work on a project with real-world conservation impact across WA, Kangaroo Island, and 150+ sites nationally
• Be part of a small, supportive research team in a growing and dynamic field
• Develop a career pathway in ecological research or natural resource management

Are you passionate about conservation and ready to take your first steps into a research career? Join a dedicated team working on a national project to protect Australia’s native species.

The Role

We are seeking a motivated and capable Research Assistant to join a collaborative research project focused on understanding the movements of feral cats and foxes and evaluating the effectiveness of pest animal monitoring programs across Australia. The position forms part of a small research team, as part of the Commonwealth’s Saving Native Species and Natural Resource Management (NRM) initiatives.

You will support data collection and management, help coordinate stakeholder engagement and contribute to the preparation of publications and project reporting. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent science graduate interested in conservation, wildlife management, or ecological research.

Key responsibilities include:

• Working with stakeholders (e.g., NRM boards) to gather and collate data on feral cat and fox monitoring activities (primarily from camera traps)
• Preparing and securely store data, ensuring it's formatted for analysis and reporting
• Conducting simple summary statistics and assist with preliminary data interpretation
• Supporting research management tasks, including licensing, risk and animal ethics documentation
• Organising and attend meetings, workshops, and stakeholder presentations; record meeting minutes and actions
• Assisting with budget monitoring to ensure compliance with financial rules
• Contributing to the preparation and submission of research publications
• Developing outreach material (e.g., blogs, media releases) to promote the project
• Supporting project reporting for funding agencies and collaborators
• Participating in fieldwork depending on interest and project needs (Optional)

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone with:

• A degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, or a related field
• Strong data management skills and attention to detail
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• A curious, enquiring mindset and willingness to learn
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Confidence working with a variety of stakeholders and collaborators

This fixed term position is full time for 2 years at a HEW 6 Higher Education Level located at Callaghan Campus.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively. 

These include: 

• The remuneration for this position is pro-rated from $93,929 - $103641 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

Your application must include: 

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
•  A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed below demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

1. A degree in science, environmental science or similar, or professional experience managing teams of researchers. - - - - -
2. Experience organising workshops or events
3. Good written skills for report writing and scientific publications
4. Ability to maintain financial records 
5. Good organisational ability to meet deadlines and plan for future events; and
6. An ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

1. Ability to make online or media content to advertise the project.
2. Basic graphic design skills Leadership Framework

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

For specific position enquiries, please contact, Matt Hayward on (02) 4921 7472 or via email matthew.hayward@newcastle.edu.au

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Sunday 22^th June 2025 11:59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

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