A rare and exciting opportunity exists to get involved in high-impact research in evolutionary physiology at the School of Biological Sciences alongside world-class researchers. You will have the opportunity to design and undertake research, focussed on understanding the evolutionary drivers and ecological consequences of variation in metabolic rate, life history, and thermal tolerance in animals (primarily insects). The successful incumbent will undertake measurement of metabolic rate using high-throughput flow-through respirometry, use artificial selection to create replicate populations of organisms that differ in their life history, and phenotype the physiological, ecological, behavioural, and life history traits of the resultant populations. The patterns identified through this endeavour will be compared with patterns observed in comparative data sets compiled from the literature, analysed using phylogenetically informed statistical approaches.

As the successful candidate you will hold a doctoral qualification in the relevant discipline or a closely related field and have some experience and possess a demonstrated capacity in one or more of: the measurement of metabolic rate of animals using direct or indirect calorimetry, experimental evolution studies, phylogenetically informed statistical analysis of comparative data compiled from the literature and/or collected using experimental studies, and the ability to develop and implement evolutionary models.

About Monash University

At Monash, work feels different. There’s a sense of belonging, from contributing to something ground breaking – a place where great things happen.

We value difference and diversity. That’s why we champion an inclusive and respectful workplace culture where everyone is supported to succeed.

Some 20,000 staff work for Monash around the world. We have 95,000 students, four Australian campuses, and campuses in Malaysia and Indonesia. We also have a major presence in India and China, and a significant centre and research foundation in Italy.

In our short history, we have skyrocketed through global university rankings and established ourselves consistently among the world's best tertiary institutions. We rank in the world’s top-50 universities in rankings including the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Together with our commitment to academic freedom, you will have access to quality research facilities, infrastructure, world-class teaching spaces, and international collaboration opportunities.

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Monash supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements. We have a range of policies in place enabling staff to combine work and personal commitments. This includes supporting parents.

To Apply

For instructions on how to apply, please refer to 'How to apply for Monash Jobs'. Your application must address the Key Selection Criteria.

Diversity is one of our greatest strengths at Monash. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process at Monash. If you need any reasonable adjustments, please contact us at hr-recruitment@monash.edu in an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments Request' for a confidential discussion.

Your employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all pre-employment and/or background checks required for the role, as determined by the University.

Enquiries: Professor and Head, School of Biological Sciences - craig.white@monash.edu

Position Description: Research Fellow

Applications Close: Friday 30 October 2026, 11:55pm AEDT

Please submit your application as soon as possible for this fabulous opportunity to join Monash University. Interviews will be held as strong applicants are identified. Applications will close when the role has been filled.

Supporting a diverse workforce