Research Fellow in Climate Variability

Job no: 0057176
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full time; Fixed-term
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/School: School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Salary: Level A – $77,171- $104,717 p.a. (pro rata for part-time) plus 17% super

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

About the Faculty of Science
Science at the University of Melbourne is the most highly ranked Faculty of Science in Australia. Science is defined by its research excellence in the physical and life sciences and is at the forefront of research addressing major societal issues from climate change to disease. Our discoveries help build an understanding of the world around us.

We have over 150 years of experience in pioneering scientific thinking and analysis, leading to outstanding teaching and learning and offer a curriculum based on highly relevant research, which empowers our STEM students and graduates to understand and address complexities that impact real world issues and the challenges of tomorrow.

About the Role
We invite applications for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship researching climate variability and extremes in observations and climate model simulations, with a focus on the northern Australian monsoon. We seek a highly qualified applicant with strong quantitative skills and an excellent understanding of climate processes. You will contribute to the National Environmental Science Program Climate Systems Hub project on Extreme Events Explained which aims to provide context and understanding of changing Australian climate extremes. Your work will contribute to improved climate projections and understanding of climate extremes to assist a range of stakeholders.

The position is located within the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Melbourne, supervised by Dr Josephine Brown in collaboration with Dr Sugata Narsey at the Bureau of Meteorology. Candidates seeking part-time or flexible work arrangements are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct research under supervision to meet the objectives of the NESP Extreme Events Explained project, with a focus on historical and future variability of northern Australian monsoon rainfall
• Communicate research findings by publishing in highly ranked journals, presenting at relevant conferences and developing plain English summaries and case studies
• Contribute to the co-design and co-production of research projects through interaction with stakeholders during the research process
• Participate in NESP events and attend relevant conferences, workshops and seminars

About You
You will possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English and have the capacity to publish in high quality peer reviewed journals. You will also have excellent organisational skills to meet deadlines and bring projects to a timely completion. Experience with configuring and running global climate model simulations as well as engaging with relevant government or industry stakeholders is desirable but not essential. 

You will also have:

• Completion (or near completion) of a PhD in Atmospheric Science or a related discipline
• Demonstrated knowledge of climate variability and climate change science
• Strong computational skills in a programming environment such as Python, Matlab or R
• Ability to work collaboratively in teams, and independently, to meet project milestones

About the University
The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

Benefits of Working with Us
In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements, generous personal, parental and cultural leave
• Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
• Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services including Myki cards and Qantas Club
• Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families

To find out more, visit https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/staff-benefits .

Be Yourself
We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please submit your application including a brief cover letter, your resume and your responses against the selection criteria^ (found in the Position Description) for the role.

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact  us at hr-talent@unimelb.edu.au .

Position Description