Research Fellow (Grade 1), Cetacean Ecology

The Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security emphasises that food security and human well-being depend on the health of our ecosystems. Our researchers seek ways to improve the health of both natural and managed ecosystems with research that cuts across disciplines and creates an impact globally.

The Research FellowGrade 1 position will sit within Griffith University’s Centre of Planetary Health and Food Security and will be associated with the project “Life in the Shipping Lane; The Cost of Increasing Disturbance to Whales”, which is funded by an Australian Research Council Linkage grant. This project represents a community collaboration between Griffith University, The Port of Brisbane Pty. Ltd., Healthy Land and Water, Danish Hydraulic Institute (DHI), and The Stradbroke Flyer,  as well as The University of the Sunshine Coast, Murdoch University and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

To be carry out this role you will be required to:

• Conduct boat-based line transect surveys for humpback whale distribution and abundance estimates.
• Manage students and volunteers for boat-based fieldwork.
• Work closely with the Humpback Whale Sentinel Programme for collation of joint data and preparation of joint reports and publications.
• Work closely with community groups and traditional owners.
• Perform a range of forecasting activities utilising diverse modelling approaches, including bioenergetic modelling, Population Consequences of Disturbance (PCoD) modelling, as well as environment-economy modelling.

This is a fixed term (2.5 years), full time position and will be primarily based at the Griffith University Nathan campus. As Griffith is a multi-campus University you may be required to work across other campus locations.

Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary range
The full time equivalent base salary will be Research FellowGrade 1 range $84,830 - $99,367 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $99,251 - $116,259 per annum.

About you
To be successful you will also have:

• A PhD in a related field (e.g. Cetacean ecology, mammalian physiology, or environmental economics).
• Competency with R or Python data processing and strong modelling skills, including familiarity with bioenergetic models.
• Capacity to work closely with community and industry partners.
• Coxswain I commercial shipping qualification
• Strong publication record.
• Evidence of a high level of English written and oral communication skills.
• Project management and stakeholder engagement experience, and the ability to work independently as well as within a team.
• Prior experience in Antarctic and Southern Ocean ecology, ecosystem management, and/or policy would be favourably considered, as would successful prior experience in engaging Traditional Owners in research and merging traditional knowledge into research.

Why join Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the about you section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details
• Names and contact details of at least three professional referees (no contact will be made without your permission)

Applicants must be eligible to attain unrestricted working rights.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Professor Susan Bengtson Nash, at **************@griffith.edu.au.

For application and recruitment advice, please contact Maria Mahon, Talent Acquisition Partner at *******@griffith.edu.au

For application support, please contact People Services on (07) 3735 4*** and quote reference number REF4818J.

Closing date: Sunday 31st March 11:59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.