Role to commence no earlier than 1 August **** Full time opportunity Fixed Term for up to 3 years Level A Academic Research only Based at La Trobe University's Melbourne (Bundoora) campus Work with inspiring people who are driven to make a difference About the position EPAS is seeking a Research Officer with expertise in sensory biology, capable of contributing to both field and laboratory components of an Australian Research Council funded project led by Dr Amanda Franklin.
The project aims to uncover how animals with miniature brains can efficiently process multisensory stimuli.
Using a powerful combination of techniques – high-resolution imaging, intracellular recordings and behavioural experiments – this project aims to uncover how beetles detect and respond to deep-red stimuli and infrared (heat) information.
Results will provide new information about evolution and function of sensory systems and have the potential to unlock biological solutions for modern problems, including improved efficiency of sensors and image processing.
The Research Officer will lead field expeditions to collect insects, primarily based in the mallee regions of Australia (particularly Western Australia) and forests in North America or Europe.
They will have the opportunity to contribute to anatomical (e.g. electron microscopy), physiological (e.g., electrophysiology), and/or behavioural experiments (e.g. field studies, controlled laboratory studies).
The Research Officer will join a world-class team and benefit from collaboration and training with leading scientists across multiple institutions, including Dr Patricia Jusuf (University of Melbourne), Prof Gregor Belušic (University of Ljubljana), and Prof Kentaro Arikawa (Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI), with planned research visits to these groups during the project.
The role provides variety and flexibility.
The successful candidate will be able to develop independent research directions, contribute to supervision of higher degree research students, analyse complex datasets, and lead the preparation of peer-reviewed publications.
The research team highly values Open Science, collegiality, equity, diversity and inclusion.
Skills and Experience To be considered for this position, you will have A completed or final stages of a PhD in sensory biology, neuroethology, physiology, entomology, behavioural ecology, or a closely related discipline.
Please note, conferral date or expected graduation date in your cover letter.
Must have completed and passed PhD prior to role commencement.
Evidence of research experience in sensory physiology, microscopy or anatomical techniques, behavioral ecology, or insect ecology.
Demonstrated ability to design experiments, analyse biological data, and interpret results.
A strong record of scientific writing, including lead authorship of publications in peer-reviewed international journals.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively, contributing to a positive and collegial research culture.
Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to manage time, coordinate fieldwork, and meet research deadlines.
Demonstrated experience conducting ecological fieldwork, including working in remote or challenging environments.
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