We're Hiring!

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally. 

We now have an opportunity available for passionate and early career Researcher to join our team within the College of Business, Law and Governance as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation. 

• Part-time (50%); fixed-term to 31 December 2026 
• Academic Level B - $106,593 - $125,774 per annum plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits
• Cairns, Nguma-bada campus, Smithfield. 

About the College of Business, Law and Governance 

The College of Business, Law and Governance (CBLG) delivers a range of future-focused business and law courses across Cairns, Singapore, Townsville and Brisbane. Under the leadership of the Acting Dean, Associate Professor Jamie Fellows, the College promotes, fosters, and delivers quality teaching and research with both a local and global reach.

Formed in 2014, a primary emphasis of the College is on developing leaders who are equipped with an understanding of the complexities of doing business and undertaking professional practices as are directly relevant to the ever-evolving Asia Pacific region.

The College has a key focus in sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals, and this position forms part of the Environmental Economics team. 

About the opportunity 

Research Fellow Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation will conduct research to support key deliverables for a National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Resilient Landscapes project 3.19 on Climate-resilient landscapes: an adaptation case study in NSW’s Northern Rivers region and the Wet Tropics of Queensland https://nesplandscapes.edu.au/projects/nesp-rlh/nsw-northern-rivers/. The project is underway, and due to complete by end December 2026.

The position will support community engagement, biodiversity risk assessment and community-centered planning to help build local and community capacity and capability for climate adaptation planning for biodiversity, with a focus on the Wet Tropics case study region. Key tasks and accountabilities will include (a) stocktake and evaluate current adaptation actions; (b) conducting stakeholder analysis; (c) designing and conducting interviews, including with First Nations participants; (d) data analysis and synthesis to support climate risk analysis; (e) co-organising and co-facilitating adaptation planning workshops; (f) developing relationships, and engaging, with First Nations groups to ensure inclusion of First Nations perspectives within the analysis; and (g) publication and dissemination of research findings, including policy briefs, reports and quality academic publications.

Research activities will be conducted as a member of a multi-disciplinary team (social scientists, ecologists, GIS) from JCU and Griffith University, in partnership with First Nations groups and project stakeholders.

This position reports to Associate Professor Diane Jarvis  https://portfolio.jcu.edu.au/Researchers/diane.jarvis1. 

What you can bring to the role 

• A PhD qualification or equivalent in a relevant social science, climate change, environmental management or other relevant environmental discipline with demonstrated experience in climate adaptation, biodiversity, or planning research.
• Experience in qualitative data collection and analysis, including interviews and workshops.
• Evidence of outstanding research ability, including innovation, creativity and timely completion of tasks.
• Experience of effective engagement with First Nations groups, communities and other stakeholders.
• Strong publishing track record in quality peer- reviewed journals, particularly as lead author.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Why JCU? 

JCU offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Employee wellbeing is at the core of our values, and we support our people through the provision of flexible working conditions and many other benefits including;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave and 15 days of paid sick/personal/carers leave per year
• Cultural leave and Flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development support
• Well-equipped campus facilities including cafes and sporting fitness.

What matters to us at JCU? 

Our People – Our staff, students, and the communities we serve

Our Education – Knowledge has the power to change lives

Our Place – the Tropics and beyond

Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

How to Apply 

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button where you will be asked to complete an application form or alternatively, please apply directly via the via the JCU careers page and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form
2. Upload your current resume
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role in relation to the selection criteria as outlined in the duty descriptor.

Applications close on Monday 14th July 2025 at 11:55 PM AEST.

For any enquiries about these roles, please contact Associate Professor Diane Jarvis at diane.jarvis@jcu.edu.au.  

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply.  We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.