Postdoctoral Researcher in Animal Behaviour

Macquarie University Hospital; Sydney; On-site; AUD 113,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation

Onsite parking

Onsite childcare

Extensive training and professional PD

Job summary

Macquarie University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the School of Natural Sciences to study butterfly courtship in experimental enclosures and reconstruct visual cues leading to mate detection. The role supports an ARC-funded project and reports to A/Prof Darrell Kemp.

Responsibilities include establishing the arena, fieldwork in tropical North Queensland, and analyzing 3D tracking data, with opportunities to publish high-impact work and supervise students.

Qualifications

• PhD in animal ecology/behaviour or a related discipline.
• Experience working with butterflies in field and/or laboratory environments.
• Ability to undertake and publish original experimental research with high-quality outputs.
• Ability to supervise research students and foster their development.

Responsibilities

• Establish the experimental arena and related infrastructure.
• Undertake fieldwork in tropical North Queensland.
• Perform and image behavioural presentations.
• Extract and analyse 3D object tracking data.
• Lead the preparation of high-impact scientific publications.

Skills

Butterfly behaviour

Fieldwork

Publish research

Supervision

Education

PhD in animal ecology/behaviour

Tools

Imaging software

Tracker software

Job description

• Salary package: $112,550 - $120,621 (HEW A.6-A.8/ PhD awarded rate) plus 17% superannuation & annual leave loading
• Full-time, fixed term appointment until April 2028
• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

The Role

An exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Researcher exists in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University. We are seeking a qualified candidate to join a team with an international reputation for producing high-quality research outcomes in the area of animal behaviour. This project involves establishing and imaging butterfly courtship interactions within experimental enclosures with the ultimate aim of reconstructing the visual circumstances leading up to mate detection. The successful candidate will contribute to an Australian Research Council funded project seeking to determine how visual parameters are used to detect target stimuli under challenging visual conditions.

Reporting to the project CI (A/Prof Darrell Kemp), the Postdoctoral Researcher will:

• Establish the experimental arena and associated infrastructure.
• Undertake fieldwork in tropical North Queensland.
• Perform and image behavioural presentations.
• Extract and analyse 3-dimensional object tracking data.
• Lead the preparation of high impact scientific publications.

We look forward to hearing from applicants who have demonstrated excellence in their past research, possess the technical skills required to match the demands of this project. Candidates with experience working with butterfly behaviour in either field or laboratory settings are strongly preferred for this position.

About Us

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is a young and dynamic faculty driven by the spirit of discovery. Here we nurture the next generation of science and technology innovators. From a handful of students on the University’s first day, the Faculty now serves over 8,000 students across all our courses.

The School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University was established on 1 January 2022 through the amalgamation of the Departments of Biological Sciences, Molecular Sciences, and Earth and Environmental Sciences. The School is the largest in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and is a vibrant community of educators, researchers and students working across a wide range of biological, biomolecular, biomedical, chemical, environmental and geoscience disciplines.

Selection Criteria

To be considered for this position, applicants must address the selection criteria below and attach their CV (including a list of two referees), a statement of research interests and achievements.

Essential

• A PhD in animal ecology/behaviour or a related discipline.
• Experience working with butterflies in either field and/or laboratory environments.
• Ability to undertake and publish original experimental research, as evidenced by impactful and high-quality outputs.
• Ability to foster a nurturing environment for research students including the provision of research student supervision.
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability for analytical thinking and independent problem solving.

Desirable

• Experience with imaging insect interactions and the analysis thereof using tracker software.

*This position requires a criminal history and qualifications check.

Enquiries

Associate Professor Darrell Kemp at [e-mail]

Applications Close: Tuesday 29 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (AEST)

*** Candidates must have valid Australian work rights for the duration of the appointment.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University has a goal to increase the engagement of women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from diverse backgrounds in STEMM roles. Applications are considered holistically, and candidates are encouraged to apply even if their experience does not meet each individual selection criterion.

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in a satisfactory manner to the University.

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page. At Macquarie University, our human equation for success is You to the Power of Us. It’s an invitation for you to bring your passion and purpose to a campus powered by human collaboration, and where the potential of every person multiplies our ability to achieve remarkable things. Hear from our Vice Chancellor Bruce Dowton.

Our values — Collective Ambition, Purposeful Collaboration, Bold Innovation, and Genuine Care — are at the heart of everything we do and by living our values, we unlock the true potential of You to the Power of Us. Our values guide how we work, lead and support one another. We know Macquarie is at its best when we live our values every day.

Fostering Belonging

Our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework 2024-2028 and our Flexible Work approach support Macquarie’s vision by building a community where everyone truly feels safe and like they belong. We acknowledge the richness of each individual’s identity and the potential that brings. This diversity amplifies You to the Power of Us and creates an inclusive environment that leads to better outcomes for all. Through a nurturing and fair environment, we are a workplace that enables you to balance both your personal needs and professional goals.

What we offer?

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
• Discounted health insurance
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

When you join Macquarie University, you gain access to a supportive, flexible workplace designed to help you thrive.

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Just 15km from Sydney’s CBD and with access to Australia’s only dedicated university metro station, our Wallumattagal Campus in Macquarie Park offers a vibrant and inspiring place to work—right in one of the world’s greatest cities.

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