Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Job Description

• Full-time, fixed-term position for 3 years.
• Based at Hawkesbury Campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: Academic Level A $97,153 – $117,376 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Improve process-based models to predict ecosystem change across Australian forests.

The Opportunity
We're seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biogeochemical Modelling to join the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, working in a research team applying process-based climate-ecosystem modelling to understand how Australia’s natural and managed ecosystems respond to climate change and land management. Your work will contribute to two Australian Research Council-funded projects focused on phosphorus-limited eucalyptus forests under rising atmospheric CO2 and on snow gum woodland dieback in Australia’s high country.

You will further develop and apply the LPJ-GUESS dynamic vegetation model framework already configured to simulate vegetation and soil processes for these ecosystems. Using measurement datasets and experimental process knowledge, you will improve model representation and predictive skill, then design and run model experiments to test mechanistic hypotheses and to assess ecosystem resilience under future scenarios.

You will work closely with senior researchers, HDR students and collaborators to deliver research milestones, including manuscripts, reports and presentations for varied audiences. You will contribute to a collaborative research culture through mentoring and constructive engagement with stakeholders, and may support grant development and occasional teaching aligned to the projects. You will also ensure research data management meets relevant codes, University policies, and ARC requirements.

What Success Looks Like:

• LPJ-GUESS model improvements are implemented and evaluated using empirical data.
• Model experiments explain observed ecosystem change and inform future scenarios.
• HDR candidates are supported through effective mentoring and modelling guidance.
• Research outputs are delivered on time, including manuscripts and presentations.
• Research data is managed in line with responsible conduct and ARC requirements.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• You hold a PhD in terrestrial ecology, biogeochemistry, environmental science or a related field.
• You have experience developing and applying process-based biophysical models to environmental change questions, and ideally have worked with models such as LPJ-GUESS.
• You’re confident working with scientific datasets, processing, analysing and managing data from field measurements, satellite sources and complex model outputs.
• You’ve demonstrated your research capability through first-author publications in high-quality journals, with a track record appropriate to your career stage.
• You bring strong programming skills (C, C++ and/or Python), and are comfortable working in HPC/Linux environments (or keen to build this capability).

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Professor Ben Smith, Director of Research via Ben.Smith@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1466C.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 19 July 2026.
• Visa Sponsorship: Employer Visa sponsorship will be provided if required.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

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