Research Assistant - Phenology

RMIT University; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 84,000 - 114,000; Part time

Job summary

RMIT University in Melbourne seeks a part-time Research Assistant to enter historical phenology data into a structured database, interpret varied records and map observations using geospatial tools.

The role supports the ARC Discovery Project on Tracking Phenology Changes linked to Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss, with responsibilities spanning data quality control, updating storage, and cross-team collaboration to meet milestones.

Qualifications

• Essential: accurately enter, code and interpret data from historical records into a structured database.
• Essential: strong computer literacy, navigating relational databases.
• Essential: implement quality control to check data for errors, inconsistencies.
• Essential: experience with geospatial mapping tools.
• Essential: knowledge of Australian flora.
• Essential: communicate effectively within a team on data-related issues.
• Essential: attention to detail, grammar, punctuation and numeracy.
• Essential: ability to work collaboratively in a small research team.
• Desirable: interest in environmental history; familiarity with AI programs such as Claude.

Responsibilities

• Enter historical phenological data into the project database from varied source records.
• Code and map data, check for errors and missing information.
• Maintain data input records and support project milestones and goals.
• Collaborate with Project Leader, Phenological Database Manager and HDR candidate to deliver project outcomes.

Skills

Data entry

Relational databases

Quality control

Geospatial mapping

Australian flora

Team communication

Attention to detail

Collaborative work

Education

Postgraduate degree in Geospatial Science or Environmental Science

Job description

• 1 x part time (2 days per week), fixed term (until 30th of June 2029) position available in the School of Science
• Salary Academic Level A ($83,985 - $113,917) + 17% Superannuation pro rata
• Based at the City, but may be required to work and/or be based at other campuses of the University

About the Role

This role supports the Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project, Tracking Phenology Changes Linked to Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss, funded through to June 2029.

Working closely with the Phenological Data Specialist and Project Leader, you will enter historical phenological data into the project's database; including reading and interpreting historical records such as naturalists' diaries. You will be responsible for coding data, checking for errors and missing information using appropriate quality control methods, and mapping phenological observation locations.

The role also involves retrieving, confirming and updating data in storage, maintaining records of data input, and contributing to the achievement of project milestones and goals. You will work collaboratively with the Project Leader and other members of the research team, including the Phenological Database Manager and Higher Degree by Research candidate, to support the successful delivery of the project.

About You

Essential:

• Demonstrated ability to accurately enter, code and interpret data from historical and varied source records (e.g. Naturalists' diaries) into a structured database in a required format.
• Demonstrated strong computer literacy, including the ability to navigate and work within relational databases.
• Demonstrated ability to implement quality control methods to check data for errors, inconsistencies and missing information/codes.
• Demonstrated experience with geospatial mapping tools.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Australian flora.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively within a team including data-related issues.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, with sound grammar, punctuation and numeracy skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a small research team.

Desirable:

• An interest in environmental history
• A familiarly with AI programs such as Claude

Qualifications

A postgraduate degree in Geospatial Science or Environmental Science

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

To Apply

Please submit your CV and covering letter and address the Key Selection Criteria (outlined in the Position Description) for this position by clicking on the 'Apply' link at the top of this page.

For recruitment enquiries: Aleks Besia, Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor - [e-mail]

For research project enquiries: Dr Marie Keatley, Lecturer, School of Science - [e-mail]

Position description - Research Assistant, Phenology

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. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements.

Applications close on Wednesday, 4^th of November 2026.

About RMIT University

RMIT is a multi-sector university of technology, design and enterprise with more than 96,000 students and close to 10,000 staff globally. The University's mission is to help shape the world through research, innovation and engagement, and to create transformative experiences for students to prepare them for life and work.

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