Marine ecosystems are rapidly changing due to increasing pressures from climate change and local disturbances. There is an increasing need for reliable information about the status and trends of tropical marine ecosystems such as coral reefs. The Program’s research focuses on understanding the trajectory of coral reef ecosystems to inform our understanding of how they might perform in the future. This is pivotal to inform sustainable and adaptive management and policy development.
About this opportunity
Joining a rapidly expanding area of research, your role will be to work within a busy team environment to undertake underwater monitoring field work and produce high quality peer-reviewed publications. The fieldwork takes place in remote locations including live-aboard on large vessels, participating in field data collection, data entry, QA/QC, analysis and reporting. Your role will include significant contributions to the planning, coordination and execution of field work and involvement in all aspects of reef fish monitoring data. You will contribute to the identification of research questions, analyses, interpretation, and publication of data, and to the communication of research results.
This is a hands-on role, with extensive periods working in the field under demanding conditions participating in monitoring campaigns. Team members generally spend up to 100-120 days in the field each year. You will demonstrate willingness and availability to participate in 5-6 field trips of 3 weeks each. You will contribute to field sampling via SCUBA, manta tow and other technology as required, and take responsibility for research equipment management in the field. Additionally, the role includes data management, QA/QC, statistical analyses and production of high-quality peer-reviewed publications.
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 both fieldwork and 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 coral reef fishes to species and conducting visual count surveys of coral reef fish using standard protocols, especially transects on SCUBA and manta tow. Experience in field data collection, data entry and analysis. Track record of publications in peer reviewed journals.
- (AOF4) Expansive knowledge of coral reef ecosystems and ability to identify major coral reef taxa, including extensive experience in identifying coral reef fishes to species and conducting visual count surveys of coral reef fish using standard protocols, especially transects on SCUBA and manta tow. Demonstrated experience in field data collection, data entry and analysis along with the demonstrated ability, willingness and ability to inspire and develop less experienced team members’ capabilities. Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals, especially first author papers that demonstrate leadership in framing and interpreting results and high-quality writing.
- Personal Attributes:
- (AOF3E) Well-developed interpersonal skills with the capabilities 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 within a team environment. Willingness to address issues as they arise in a professional manner.
- (AOF4) Mature interpersonal skills with the capabilities to engage with influence and compassion with a diverse range of collaborators to facilitate the achievement of mutually agreeable outcomes and to support a variety of projects in team environment. Willingness to address issues as they arise in a professional manner.
- Organisational and time management skills:
- (AOF3E) Experience in organising the logistics of field expeditions, along with demonstrated ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time with the ability to approach all tasks and activities from a risk management perspective.
- (AOF4) Extensive experience in organising the logistics of field expeditions along with demonstrated ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time, preferably as a supervisor, with the ability to approach all tasks and activities from a risk management perspective.
- 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
Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.
