Research Assistant - Phenology in Melbourne

Overview:

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 familiarity 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 – Aleksandra.Besia@rmit.edu.au

For research project enquiries: Dr Marie Keatley, Lecturer, School of Science – marie.keatley@rmit.edu.au

Applications Close: 4 Nov 2026 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 Islander community.

In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes. All applicants will be required to complete a gender‑based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre‑employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations.

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