Postdoctoral Scientist

About this exciting opportunity

Working within the Marine Fauna Ecology and Pressures team you will conduct both field and laboratory research on the impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on marine and turtle hatchlings with the goal of improving the management of this threatened species. With the research scope largely set to establish ALAN intensity thresholds for dispersing turtle hatchlings through laboratory-based work, and understand the impact of ALAN on dispersing hatchlings into the Dampier Archipelago through field-based activities, you will be required to liaise with collaborators to refine the details of the scope and be responsible for all aspects of planning and execution of the project under the supervision of senior researchers and a project manager.

Taking a lead role in the planning, preparation and delivery of this research, you will work closely with both AIMS and external Collaborators, preparing experimental protocols, leading experimental/field activities and utilising creativity and innovation in the delivery of research. You will be contributing to critical research required to address the recovery of threatened and endangered marine species, achieved through effective conservation and management of critical habitats and populations which is a key aim of AIMS science under Strategy 2030.

About you

Underpinning your suitability for this role will be your PhD qualification in a relevant discipline, PhD topic and publications on the ecology of marine megafauna/ threatened species, ideally on marine turtles and/or impacts of ALAN. An experienced scientist, you will have demonstrated experience leading field programs that include sampling of marine megafauna, especially marine turtles and have strong quantitative skills in marine ecology and experience developing unbiased experimental protocols to address research questions to support conservation management. You will be a problem solver, quantitative and be confident using R or similar (e.g. Python, Matlab).

You are passionate and motivated about science and have the ability to engage and collaborate with a range of government, scientific, industry and community-based organisations, including First Nations people and Aboriginal Rangers. A Coxswain certificate would be highly desirable.

Apply now and join a world leading organisation with attractive working conditions. In line with our Enterprise Agreement, the successful candidate will be rewarded with:

• AIMS AOF Level 4 salary ($90,321 to $102,784 per annum) plus 15.4% superannuation
• Full-time two (2) year Fixed Term opportunity
• Located in Perth (WA)
• 9-day fortnight
• Flexible Work Arrangements considered (including tele-working where possible)
• Generous leave provisions
• Optional Fitness passport

Please note:

1. Non-Australian Citizens must hold an appropriate Visa with working entitlements that allows paid employment with AIMS for the term of the appointment, depending on the relevant Department of Home Affairs current policies. AIMS may be able to consider sponsorship for international applicants for this role, however, please note that visa processing times can impact the ability for AIMS to consider sponsorship for vacancies. AIMS must meet the requirements of the Department of Home Affairs immigration policies and processes, including the necessity to test the local labour market for suitable applicants. This includes international talent pool members who are Australian visa holders who have relevant working rights.
2. It is a requirement of this role that you are and remain fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please note the sighting of proof of vaccination will be required as a pre commencement requirement.

About AIMS

The Australian Institute of Marine Science is Australia’s tropical marine research agency.

We are a trusted advisor, a partner and employer of choice, and we value integrity, innovation, collaboration and respect. AIMS’ research of Australia’s tropical marine ecosystems guides their effective environmental management and contributes to our understanding of similar ecosystems around the world.

Our research seeks to deliver practical benefit to all Australians and supports the sustainable use of our tropical marine estate. Governments, reef managers, industry and the wider community look to our high-quality, long-term research for informed decisions about our iconic Great Barrier Reef, North-West Shelf, and Arafura and Timor Seas. AIMS expert teams at our locations in Townsville, Darwin and Perth have access to world-class infrastructure, unique datasets, cutting-edge laboratories, and a fleet of modern research vessels.

Next Step

Further information about this exciting and challenging opportunity is outlined in the Candidate Information Pack which is available to download from our website, www.aims.gov.au. If, after reviewing the position description and selection criteria included in the Candidate Information Pack, you believe that your qualifications, experience and professional capabilities will enable you to successfully the deliver the position responsibilities, we encourage you to make an application via our website.

Submitting your Application: Please ensure that you have your completed documents (selection criteria responses, resume and cover letter) ready to attach to your online application form via our e-recruitment system which can be accessed via our website www.aims.gov.au.

AIMS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia's first scientists. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past, present and future, and the custodians of the land and sea Country on which we work.