Research Fellow

Fixed Term, Full Time Appointment | Contract until February 2029 
Research Active Academic Level B
Annual salary $116,429 – $137,659 pa + 17% superannuation and 6 weeks annual leave 
Casuarina Campus | Larrakia Country

Support Indigenous-led turtle research through fieldwork, data analysis, partner engagement and conservation initiatives across the Northern Territory.

About the Position
As a Research Fellow within the Northern Institute and Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, you will undertake applied research supporting Indigenous-led marine turtle monitoring and management across the Northern Territory. This AIMS@CDU research position will analyse ecological and spatial data, conduct remote fieldwork, collaborate with Traditional Owners and project partners, and contribute to regional monitoring programs, research outputs and evidence-based conservation initiatives.

About You
To be successful, you will require:

Essential

• PhD or relevant equivalent research experience in marine science, ecology, environmental science or a related discipline. 
• Experience in applied ecological research in marine or coastal environments, preferably on marine turtles.
• Strong skills in ecological, spatial and environmental data analysis and ability to manage complex ecological datasets.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with Indigenous organisations, ranger groups and Traditional Owners. Understanding of ethical research, Indigenous data governance and cultural protocols. 
• Experience in organising and safely undertaking remote fieldwork in tropical coastal environments, including preparation and management of animal ethics applications and related permits.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing scientific and technical outputs and ability to communicate results to a variety of audiences. 
• Proven ability to work independently, manage priorities and contribute to collaborative research projects
• Commitment to the University’s values.

Desirable 

• Experience with marine turtle monitoring
• Experience using drones, GIS, RTK or remote sensing for marine research applications

Remuneration 
Appointment to this role will be at HE Academic Level B. The base salary will be in the range of $116,429 - $137,659 per annum. The total remuneration package will be in the range of $136,221 - $161,061 per annum, including 17% superannuation.

First Nations Priority Recruitment Measures 
While this vacancy is open to all applicants. First Nations applicants are strongly encouraged to apply & will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy, in accordance with s57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT) 1992. More information on First Nations Priority Recruitment at CDU and how to apply, available here. 
 
Access Full Position Description
To view the full position description, please click the Apply link which will direct you to our CDU job site, then select Job Attachments.

What’s in it for you?

• An employer who values your contribution to building a bigger, better and stronger University
• Work with a University committed to changing people’s lives for the better through training, education, and research
• Opportunities for professional development, paid study and career progression
• An enviable lifestyle in the spectacular Northern Territory
• 17% superannuation 
• Up to six weeks of paid annual leave
• Up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave (primary care giver), in addition to government payments (eligibility criteria apply)
• Recognition of prior service with another Australian university / NT Government for Long Service Leave (recognition applied to qualifying period only)
• Ability to negotiate transfer of leave entitlements under the Public Employment (Mobility) Act 1989
• Free on-campus parking in designated areas
• Employee Assistance Program
• Salary Packaging opportunities
• Access to over 5,000 courses via LinkedIn learning corporate membership

How to Apply
All applications must be received online via the ‘apply’ button and should include your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant skills and experience.

For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Rachel Groom on 0889467*** or email ************@cdu.edu.au.

Do you need support? 
CDU endeavours to establish and maintain effective systems and processes that support a flexible and inclusive workplace culture. 
Adjustments can be made to support you throughout the application and selection process, as well as during employment, in line with the University’s Workplace Adjustment Policy and Procedure. 
 
For confidential discussions, reasonable adjustment requests, or further information on workplace inclusion and policies, please contact People Services on 08 8946 62***or **************@cdu.edu.au.

Diversity and Inclusion
At CDU, we actively celebrate our diversity and believe that our differences will make CDU the most connected University in Australia. We are committed to maintaining a culture where every member of our University community feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals, and that they truly belong.
 
Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and racially marginalised people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.
 
Work Health and Safety
CDU is committed to providing a physical and psychological safe working environment.  Confidential support can also be provided to employees who may be experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence outside the workplace. 
 
Charles Darwin University is guided by our core values of Courage, Kindness, Openness, Innovation, and Leadership, which shape our daily actions and decisions. CDU is committed to being a safe and inclusive organisation for everyone.

As part of the Charles Darwin University’s commitment to providing a safe, respectful and rewarding workplace, and to meeting our legal obligations, we ask candidates to declare whether they have ever been investigated for an allegation of Gender Based Violence, or found to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender Based Violence, in any previous employment or through any legal process.

This information assists us to comply with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender Based Violence and will be considered when assessing a candidate’s suitability for employment, to help ensure the safety of our University community.

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.  

Applications Close: Friday, 4th of September 2026.