However, such understanding is complex, and the Research Teams in this Program apply diverse research approaches– including long-term monitoring, population and community ecology to applied conservation technologies, advanced ecological modelling, and foundational ecological research. The speed, scale and heterogenous nature of current changes pose additional logistical and innovation challenges to assess and inform of the consequences of such changes more rapidly.
About this opportunity
This position forms part of the Australian Institute of Marine Science’s Long-Term Monitoring Program (LTMP), which has been collecting coral reef survey data since 1986 and now holds one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive coral reef monitoring datasets. The program plays a key role in assessing the condition and trajectories of benthic and fish communities on the Great Barrier Reef, supporting decision-making by management authorities and policy makers through data that informs national and international reporting, as well as contributing to high-impact scientific publications.
This role suits a marine ecologist with strong field experience and the ability to work effectively in physically and logistically challenging environments. As part of the benthic team, you will contribute to coral reef surveys conducted from large, live-aboard vessels operating in remote offshore locations. These expeditions often involve safely operating for long hours in the water under challenging weather and sea conditions, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a strong team mentality.
The role includes benthic image collection and analysis, in situ coral and disease identification, data entry and management (including QA/QC), statistical analysis and interpretation, and leading or co-authoring peer-reviewed publications. You will also contribute to method development and innovation, including the integration of novel
technologies such as photogrammetry and AI-based image annotation to improve productivity and data quality. Beyond the core monitoring responsibilities, there are opportunities to shape research directions, lead projects, present at conferences, mentor team members, and collaborate with researchers across AIMS and the broader reef science community.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential
- Tertiary qualifications in marine biology or related field (PhD for AOF4, Bachelor for AOF3.1-3.5 or Masters’ for AOF3.6 to 3.9) with a proven track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals including evidence of leading publications from concept to completion.
- Scientific capabilities:
- (AOF3E) Knowledge of coral reef ecosystems and ability to identify major coral reef taxa, including extensive experience in identifying hard and soft corals to a high taxonomic level and other benthic reef organisms at functional taxonomic levels (e.g. sponges, algae) using standard protocols, including conducting visual surveys of coral reef benthic communities, including field data collection, data entry, data management, processing and image analysis.
- (AOF4) Extensive knowledge of coral reef ecosystems and ability to identify major coral reef taxa, including extensive experience in identifying hard and soft corals to a high taxonomic level and other benthic reef organisms at functional taxonomic levels (e.g. sponges, algae) using standard protocols, including conducting visual surveys of coral reef benthic communities, including field data collection, data entry, data management, processing and image analysis along with the demonstrated ability along with the willingness and ability to inspire and develop less experienced team members capabilities.
- Technical skills:
- (AOF3E) Knowledge of the advantages and limitations of various sampling and survey techniques including experience conducting field surveys of coral reef benthos using standard protocols. Demonstrated understanding of the principles and practices of underwater photography.
- (AOF4) Well-developed knowledge of the advantages and limitations of various sampling and survey techniques including experience conducting field surveys of coral reef benthos using standard protocols including troubleshooting. Demonstrated understanding of the principals and practices of underwater photography as well as the willingness and ability to inspire and develop less experienced team members capabilities. Extensive experience in organising logistics and leading field trips.
- Personal Attributes:
- (AOF3E) Well-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people to achieve mutually agreeable outcomes including the ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time in a within a team environment.
- (AOF4) Mature interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with influence and compassion, a diverse range of collaborators to facilitate the achievement of mutually agreeable outcomes and to support a variety of projects in team environment.
- Ability to meet AIMS’ field work requirements for boating and diving (Dive Coordinator/Scientific Diver**), including extensive demonstrated experience of SCUBA diving and small boat handling in offshore waters and in the vicinity of coral reefs.
Desirable
- Current C Class Open Drivers Licence (or equivalent) or the willingness to obtain.
- Project Management:
- (AOF3E) Experience in supporting research projects throughout the different stages of the project lifecycle.
- (AOF4) Experience in developing and managing a research project throughout the entire project lifecycle, from critical thinking to develop research questions, concept design in consultation with stakeholders, through to project execution and delivery of scientific outputs
Salary: AIMS AOF Level 3 Enhanced (AOF3.1 to AOF3.9) to AIMS AOF Level 4 salary ($76,454 to $110,957 per annum) plus 15.4% superannuation (dependent on appointee’s relevant qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience)
Application deadline: August 17, 2025
