Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Plant Functional Ecology and Urban Greening)

Salary package: $112,550 – $127,138 (A.6 – B.1) pa (pro-rata 0.55 FTE) plus 17% superannuationEmployment type: Part-time (2.75 days, 0.55 FTE, 19.25 hours per week), fixed term role until August 2028Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
Drive innovative research addressing climate resilience and sustainable urban greeningInform sustainable landscape design by combining plant performance, physiology, and functional traitsAccess cutting-edge field and analytical approaches while building your academic career
THE ROLE
An exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University. We are seeking a motivated researcher to join a team with an international reputation for high-quality research in sustainable urban greening, plant functional ecology, ecophysiology and plant-water relations.
The successful candidate will contribute to developing sustainable urban greening solutions and investigating the functional responses of Australian native plants to environmental change. The research combines field experimentation, plant ecophysiology, functional trait ecology, and quantitative data analysis to improve our understanding of plant strategies across natural and urban ecosystems.
Working with the Principal Investigators Dr. Martyna Kotowska and Prof. Michelle Leishmann, the Postdoctoral Research Fellow will:
Design and undertake field-based ecological research across urban and natural ecosystems.Assess tree growth, monitor irrigation infrastructure and soil moisture sensing equipment, undertake plant physiological measurements, and collect samples for functional traits.Apply and develop conceptual frameworks in plant functional ecology, including plant trait economics and resource acquisition strategies.Prepare project reports, present research findings, and publish results in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.Collaborate effectively with project partners including CSIRO and CELESTINO, academic researchers, urban greening practitioners, and land managers.
We look forward to hearing from applicants with demonstrated excellence in plant ecology research, strong analytical skills, and enthusiastic to contribute to innovative research.
About Us
The Faculty of Science and Engineering is a young and dynamic faculty driven by the spirit of discovery. Here we nurture the next generation of science and technology innovators. From a handful of students on the University’s first day, the Faculty now serves over 8,000 students across all our courses.
The School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University was established on 1 January 2022 through the amalgamation of the Departments of Biological Sciences, Molecular Sciences, and Earth and Environmental Sciences. The School is the largest in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and is a vibrant community of educators, researchers and students working across a wide range of biological, biomolecular, biomedical, chemical, environmental and geoscience disciplines.
How to Apply:
To be considered for this position, applicants must address the selection criteria below, and attach your CV (including a list of two referees), a statement of research interests and achievements.
Essential
A PhD in plant ecology, functional ecology, ecophysiology, environmental biology, or a closely related discipline (awarded or under examination).Current work rights in Australia or eligibility to obtain an appropriate work visa.Strong organisational skills and the ability to lead and manage research activities independently while contributing effectively within collaborative research teams.Demonstrated ability to prepare scientific manuscripts and communicate research outcomes effectively.
Desirable
Experience designing and conducting field-based ecological research (possession of driving license), including collection of plant trait or environmental data.Experience with plant physiological measurements, root functional ecology, or plant-water relations.Demonstrated understanding of plant physiological processes and plant functional trait theory, including ecological trade-offs and trait-based approaches to understanding plant strategies.Experience managing and analysing ecological datasets with proficiency in R or other statistical programming environments.A strong publication record relative to career stage, demonstrating the ability to combine field sampling, quantitative trait measurements, conceptual development, and ecological interpretation.
Applications Close: Thursday 27th of August 2026 at 11:59pm (AEST)
Enquiries: Dr. Martyna Kotowska at martyna.kotowska@mq.edu.au.
This role will require a police/criminal history check.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University has a goal to increase the engagement of women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from diverse backgrounds in STEMM roles. Applications are considered holistically, and candidates are encouraged to apply even if their experience does not meet each individual selection criterion.
Pre-Employment Checks
Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.