About Data Science and Research Services Program’s Data Analytics and AI Team
Data analytics and AI capabilities are vital to the development of solutions and insights that transform how decision-makers can understand and manage our marine estate. The Data Analytics and AI group works closely with scientists, technologists, and decision-makers (internally and externally) to implement data science (AL, ML, Statistics) solutions and initiatives that help advance their ability to observe, understand, and provide solutions and guidance around the marine environment.
Operating at the intersection of data, science, technology and partnerships, the group is critical to the development of solutions and insights, grounded in trust, that accelerate the realization of outcomes.
The Data Analytics and AI are and innovative and agile group of data scientists (including AI engineers and statisticians) that collaborate with Programs and teams across AIMS in developing insights and delivering solutions, support, and consultancies. They work on diverse projects across AIMS that range digital products, technology solutions, short and long-term, and strategic initiatives. The team contributes to projects and initiatives across our Research Programs, Technology Development, and Research and Corporate Services.
About this opportunity
Working within the Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence (DAAI) Team, you will lead the integration of advanced AI paradigms, including generative AI, Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) and advanced deep networks (such as Physics-Informed Neural Networks — PINN), into scientific modeling and forecasting frameworks. As the Research Scientist (AI and Marine System Modeling) your focus will be on building dynamic AI models capable of exploring “what-if” scenarios and recommending optimal management strategies for marine conservation.
This position is pivotal in transforming raw environmental data into actionable scientific insights and will drive innovation in marine ecosystem forecasting and management by pioneering the application of cutting-edge AI techniques to real-world ecological challenges.
About you
As a Research Scientist you will hold a PhD or equivalent research experience in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, or a highly quantitative Marine Science discipline coupled with demonstrated in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in developing and applying a variety of modern AI/ML techniques to predict and forecast ecological and biological change. You will demonstrate your ability to contribute to research outcomes through a mix of peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations, or impactful project deliveries along with effectively translating complex technical concepts and fostering collaboration with diverse domain experts.
Our ideal applicant will bring practical experience with cloud computing platforms and adherence to software development best practices for scalable and reproducible research along with solid understanding of marine ecological, biological, or oceanographic principles that enables effective problem formulation and nuanced interpretation of analytical results.
Key Selection Criteria
Essential
- Expertise in Advanced AI/ML for Complex System Modelling: Demonstrated in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in developing and applying a variety of modern AI/ML techniques (e.g., SciML, Generative AI, Deep RL, PINNs) to predict and forecast ecological and biological change, model their main drivers, and simulate a range of scenarios and intervention strategies that drive change in complex natural systems, significantly augmenting existing scientific methodologies.
- Strong Computational & Data Science Proficiency: High proficiency in relevant programming languages (e.g., Python, R) and robust experience with large-scale scientific data management, analysis, and the development of maintainable analytical pipelines.
- Proven Research Contribution & Dissemination: Demonstrated ability to contribute to and disseminate research outcomes through a mix of peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations, or impactful project deliveries.
- Exceptional Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Communication: Demonstrated ability to effectively translate complex technical concepts, foster collaboration with diverse domain experts (e.g., marine ecologists, biologists), and clearly communicate actionable insights.
- Relevant Doctoral Qualification: A Ph.D. or equivalent research experience in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, or a highly quantitative Marine Science discipline.
Desirable
- Experience with Cloud/HPC and Software Best Practices: Practical experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) or High-Performance Computing (HPC), and adherence to software development best practices (e.g., version control, code review) for scalable and reproducible research.
- Marine Science Domain Acumen: A solid understanding of marine ecological, biological, or oceanographic principles that enables effective problem formulation and nuanced interpretation of analytical results.
- Track Record in Augmenting Human Expertise: Proven ability to design and implement AI/ML solutions that genuinely enhance and complement the capabilities of marine researchers, analysts, and technologists.
- Current C Class Open Drivers License (or equivalent) or the willingness to obtain.
Salary range: AUD $141,261 to $159,178 per annum
Application deadline: November 25, 2025
