Research Fellow in Palaeoecology – ANU, Australia

About the Position

The Australian National University (ANU) invites applications for a Research Fellow in Palaeoecology and Environmental History within the College of Asia & the Pacific. This part-time, continuing (contingent-funded) position is based at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures (CIEHF). Funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) until June 2029, this role provides an opportunity to collaborate with more than 30 organisations and Indigenous communities to understand long-term environmental change and Australia’s cultural landscapes. Under the guidance of Associate Professor Janelle Stevenson, the position combines palaeoecological analysis, archaeobotanical microfossil research, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, contributing to Australia’s leading work on Indigenous and environmental futures.

Position/Job Details

Position: Research Fellow
Institution: Australian National University (ANU)
Department: College of Asia & the Pacific – ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures (CIEHF)
Research Field: Palaeoecology, Environmental History, Indigenous Studies
Location: Canberra, Australia
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Part-time (up to 21 hours per week), Continuing (Contingent Funded)
Start Date (Anticipated): Early 2026
Working Hours: 21 hours per week
Salary Range: AUD $118,563 – $134,507 per annum (pro-rata) plus 17% superannuation
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Area

Palaeoecology and Environmental Reconstruction
Archaeobotany and Microfossil Analysis (pollen, phytoliths, charcoal)
Sedimentology, Micromorphology, and Geochemistry
Indigenous and Environmental Histories of Australia
Land and Sea Country Studies

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in Palaeoecology, Geography, or a closely related field
Experience with multiproxy environmental and cultural data
Skills in pollen, phytolith, or charcoal analysis

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of sedimentology, micromorphology, or geochemistry
Experience in collaborative or Indigenous research contexts
Strong publication record in environmental or archaeological sciences

Key Responsibilities

Conduct palaeoecological and environmental research using microfossil and sedimentary data
Collaborate with Indigenous communities and national research partners
Analyse environmental archives to reconstruct historical and cultural change
Contribute to interdisciplinary and international research projects
Publish findings in high-impact journals and present at academic conferences