Postdoctoral Research Associate in Behavioural and Chemical EcologyPsychology/Life and Environmental Sciences

Reference no. 200/0216 

• Join a collaborative, interdisciplinary research group


• Conduct full time research at the University


• Full time fixed term until 31^st December 2018, $101K p.a. which includes leave loading and up to 17% super) 

The University of Sydney is Australia’s first university and has an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. It employs over 7500 permanent staff, supporting over 52,000 students. 

The School of Psychology at the University of Sydney is the oldest School of Psychology in Australia. We have a proud tradition, stemming from this history, but we firmly believe in continued innovation to ensure that we remain current.The purpose of the project is to undertake field studies, and some laboratory studies, investigating the sensitivity of native and exotic rodent species to feline pheromones. The research is funded by a three year ARC Discovery Grant entitled “Mechanisms underlying the repellent effects of predator odours in rodents”. The successful applicant will support Chief Investigators Prof Iain McGregor and A Prof Mathew Crowther, actively contribute to research activities, design research protocols and write ethics applications, prepare equipment for experiments and contribute to the analysis and reporting of key research findings 

Some of the main tasks in this role are; 

• conducts data analysis, prepares reporting and presentations and carries out literature searches


• conduct field research in bushland surrounding Sydney, and in the Mallee region of Victoria, including the trapping and handling of small mammals


• supports the design of research work being undertaken


• conduct behavioural studies on captive animals


• assist neuroscientists and chemists in laboratory and data collection as required


• write reports for the Australian Research Council


• maintains research laboratory, oversees operations and student research activity 

The successful candidate will have; 

• a PhD in a relevant Discipline with special reference to animal behaviour, fauna ecology, and/or evolution Demonstrated expertise to run field studies of animal behaviour in remote locations


• excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with sound negotiating and conflict resolution skills


• experience in carrying out scientific literary searches, and preparing literary reviews for further analysis


• experience in a research-intensive environment or interest in working in academia


• current C Class drivers licence and experience driving 4WD vehicles 

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.  Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number for more information and to apply.

CLOSING DATE: 11:30pm 3 April 2016 

The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups, including women and people with disabilities are encouraged. As the University of Sydney has established a scheme to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed across the institution, applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are also encouraged. 

©The University of Sydney 

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.