Research Assistant - Living Seawalls Project.

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The Research Assistant will organise and conduct laboratory-based sample processing and fieldwork as part of a monitoring program for the Living Seawalls project.

The Research Assistant will join the Living Seawalls project, involving collaboration between University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Macquarie University (MQ), and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS). Living Seawalls is investigating methods to enhance the ecological value of artificial structures in the marine environment, such as seawalls and pilings. The role would be primarily based at SIMS in Mosman, NSW with the expectation of occasional meetings at UNSW or MQ as required.

About the role

• $82,800K -  plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 12 months     
• Part-time (17.5 hours)

The Research Assistant reports to the Associate Professor Mariana Mayer-Pinto and has no direct reports, but may be responsible for the supervision of interns and undergraduate students, as required. 

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Work alongside the scientific leadership team of Living Seawalls to develop laboratory and field protocols and quality assurance and control.
• Organise fieldtrips and conduct sampling of the structure and function of ecological communities establishing on and around seawalls, pilings and rocky shores. This includes fieldwork management and preparation of all associated Health & Safety documents related to fieldwork (e.g. preparing Risk Management Assessment in Salus).
• Identify and enumerate marine invertebrates, macroalgae and fish in the laboratory and in the field.
• Process samples in the laboratory as needed.
• Develop and work to a schedule for sample processing and fieldwork. This will include regular communication with supervisors.
• Data management (data entry, checking and analyses, QA/QC).
• Assist with the preparation of research reports and permit applications.
• Oversee and manage interns and undergraduate students also working on the project in both the laboratory and field.
• Organise and participate of outreach and media activities as well as document all related activities.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the UNSW Values in Action: Our Behaviours and the UNSW Code of Conduct.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

Skills and Experience(Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A degree in marine biology, or related discipline, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Knowledge of marine invertebrate, algal, and/or fish taxonomy.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, and as part of a group.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Well developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• Understanding of, and a commitment to Quality Assurance/Quality Control.
• Hold a current and valid driver’s licence.
• Hold a current and valid SCUBA licence and ability to become a scientific diver.
• A willingness to work some early morning or late nights, where fieldwork requires it.
• Previous experience conducting marine ecological fieldwork in intertidal and/or shallow subtidal environments.
• Previous experience conducting marine ecological fieldwork on rocky shores, rocky reefs and/or built structures, processing invertebrate samples in the laboratory, processing video footage of fish, and organising fieldwork trips and managing fieldwork teams, and a NSW boat licence, would be desirable.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

For informal queries, please see the below contact details. 

Otherwise, please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.

Contact:
Mariana Mayer-Pinto
E: ************@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: February 25th, 2024

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

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