Research Fellow, Private Land Conservation

• Fixed Term Contract, 2.5 - 3 Years / Negotiable 0.6 - 1.0 FTE Arrangements 

• Salary Academic Level A or B, depending on experience + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements 

• Based at the city campus but may be required to work at other campuses of the University. 

About the Position 
This is an exciting opportunity for a Research Fellow to play a leading role in an interdisciplinary conservation project focused on private protected areas in Australia. The position is funded by an Australian Research Council Linkage Project titled “More than a reserve? Measuring the benefits of private protected areas ”. This project is designed improve how we understand, measure and report on the benefits derived from private protected areas (PPAs) in Australia. It will develop a new theoretical approach and apply this to measure the ecological, socio-cultural, and economic benefits generated by PPAs to both human and non-human beneficiaries.  

The project investigator team is as follows: 

• Dr Ascelin Gordon (Lead Chief Investigator, RMIT University) 

• Dr Katie Moon (Chief Investigator, University of New South Wales, Canberra) 

• Dr Sayed Iftekhar (Chief Investigator, Griffith University) 

• Prof Kerrie Wilson (Chief Investigator, Queensland University of Technology) 

• Dr Rebecca Spindler (Partner Investigator, Bush Heritage) 

• Dr James Fitzsimons (Partner Investigator, The Nature Conservancy Australia) 

• It will also comprise a PhD student, who may be co-supervised by the Research Fellow.  

Industry partners for the project are Bush Heritage Australia, Birdlife Australia, Trust for Nature, and The Australian Land Conservation Alliance. These organisations have identified a selection of PPAs they manage that may be used as case studies in the project.  

The Research Fellow will be involved all aspects of the project, working closely with the investigators. The role will focus on processes for identifying the range of beneficiaries relevant to PPAs and generating the theoretical framework for understanding and measuring the benefit streams flowing from the PPAs to these beneficiaries. It will also involve gathering and analysis of data to measure benefit streams. It is likely the benefit streams investigated would include ecological, socio-cultural, and economic aspects, thus, we are open to considering applicants with backgrounds in one or more of ecology/conservation, social science, and/or environmental economics. The ideal applicant would have some knowledge of all three domains with expertise in at least one of them, in addition to some knowledge of protected areas and private protected areas in Australia. This position will also involve contributing to the administration and logistics of the project and may involve travel to one or more case study PPAs to gather data. PPA case studies have been identified in Western Australia, South Australia, NSW, and Victoria. 

For more detail on the project, see https://ascelin.github.io/blog/new-research-positions-available/  

To be considered for this position, you’ll have:

(Key Selection Criteria)

• Evidence of research experience related to biodiversity conservation practice or policy, and ideally protected areas, using approaches from one or more of the disciplines of ecology, social science or environmental economics. Candidates with experience in two or more of these disciplines will be highly valued. 

• Emerging track record and recognition for quality research outputs in one or more of the discipline areas of the project, evidenced by publications, development of new research initiatives, and relevant industry experience. Previous success in competitive research funding and experience with ethics applications are desirable. 

• A strong, demonstrated commitment to working in a team environment, with the ability to effectively work with colleagues and industry partners confidently and respectfully. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills appropriate for interacting with the multidisciplinary research team and industry partners, together with experience in effectively communicate research outputs in workshops and conferences. 

• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and efficiently manage varying workloads, responding to changing priorities as required. 

• Potential to supervise higher degree by research candidates. 

Qualifications 

Mandatory: PhD or equivalent in relevant field. 

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check. 

About the College of Design and Social Context (DSC) 

Located in the heart of Melbourne on RMIT’s City Campus, the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies is one of RMIT’s largest schools. The School’s vision is to contribute to a just and sustainable world, and to deliver education, training and research in four areas of focus:  

• Criminology, legal and justice studies 

• Global studies, languages, translating and interpreting 

• Social work, youth work and social policy 

• Sustainability and urban planning 

We provide academic programs in Higher Education in these four main areas. We are a strongly research active school with research centres of national and international reputation - the Centre for Urban Research and the Social and Global Studies Centre. 

With outstanding industry links, strong pathways and excellent research records, most of the School’s academic programs are leaders in the market and in high demand. We aim to ensure every student has a transformative experience to prepare them for life and work in the growing professional areas of the future.  

For more information, see http://www.rmit.edu.au/socialhumanities  

To Apply  

Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page.  

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Ascelin Gordon (Hiring manager) via email [email protected].  

Position Description - Research Fellow, Private Land Conservation  

For general application support please email [email protected] .

Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. 

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Applications Close:
7 Apr 2024 11.59 pm

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to  being  a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Isla n der community.  

At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT. To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Kassie (Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor), via [email protected] or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers .

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