We take on tough, persistent issues with the potential to drive massive change. We incubate ideas and accelerate impact. We push the limits of what is believed possible. Minderoo Foundation is independent, forward-thinking, and seeks effective, scalable solutions. We are proudly Australian, and one of Asia’s largest philanthropies, with AUD $2 billion committed to a range of global initiatives. Our team comprises over 100 employees across seven locations.
Flourishing Oceans
A healthy ocean is one that can withstand a changing climate and increasing human pressures, is resilient and free from pollution with a plentiful abundance of fished species. As human pressures increase and the health of our ocean continues to decline, dramatic steps are required to protect and conserve this resource. In line with the Sustainable Development Goal (14) and its targets, our key objective is to return our ocean to a healthy thriving state. To facilitate this, we are committed to ending overfishing; ending the dumping of plastic, heat, and CO2 in our ocean; supporting the sustainable use of ocean resources; conserving key habitats, and facilitating world-class research.
MERL
The Minderoo Exmouth Research Laboratory (MERL) is a world-class marine research laboratory in Exmouth, Western Australia. The facility will provide aquaria facilities, laboratories, and resources for collaborative research focused on addressing key research priorities that will help better understand this world heritage-listed region and the broader Indian Ocean. MERL has been operating as a research laboratory since November 2020.
About the role
This is a dream opportunity based in Exmouth where you will find one of the clearest turquoise water on Earth, and you’ll find yourself drifting over the world’s largest fringing reef – the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef!
Reporting to the Research and Infrastructure Manager, the Senior Marine Research Scientist will develop and lead the strategic research portfolio by both undertaking your own high profile and impactful research using the specialist facilities at MERL as well as working collaboratively with key research partners. In collaborating you will assist with experimental design and set up for research to be undertaken in the bespoke marine aquaria facilities at MERL.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Advance and promote ocean conservation through scientific research, education, and public awareness. This includes responsibility for establishing and maintaining relationships with relevant collaborators, partners, stakeholders, and communities, and for representing the program at national and international meetings as well as other relevant fora.
- Contribute to the development of impactful and innovative research for the advancement of the research portfolio at MERL.
- Identify and implement research priorities and emerging technologies relevant to marine conservation, including marine genetics.
- Communication of findings through the production of scientific papers, reports, and outreach material as well as presentations at national and international conferences and other relevant fora.
- Seek external funding to lever Minderoo research investment
- Establish close links with universities and actively co-supervise Ph.D. and postdocs
- The nature of aquaria and field research and experimentation means that non-traditional work hours will be a part of this role; consequently, the role will require the successful applicant to be part of the on-call roster rotated equally amongst five staff to manage key aquaria systems and occasional weekend fieldwork.
- Working in a dynamic team environment, you will help develop and maintain excellent working relationships within the Minderoo team as well as with external national and international collaborators and stakeholders.
About you
To be successful in this role you must have demonstrated an exceptional research track record with significant publications and experience in establishing a marine research portfolio underpinned by multi-party collaboration.
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with a demonstrated publication track record and ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally.
You must have a Ph.D. in Marine Science.
In addition, the following experience is desirable:
- Research experience working in a marine field laboratory preferably with aquaria-based experiments
- Practical experience in running and maintaining marine aquaria experiments
- Experience organising and conducting fieldwork as well as working at sea.
- Relevant First Aid Qualifications – minimum of Senior First Aid, CPR and Advanced Resus or equivalent
- Coxswain Grade 1 or higher
Of vital importance is that you have a “can-do” attitude and be proactive in suggesting improvements or developing creative solutions to challenges and processes, you can adapt and be flexible and thrive on uncertainty!
