Research Officer

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally. We now have an opportunity for a passionate and experienced Researcher to join our team within TropWATER.  

•  Full-time; fixed-term to December 2026
• Academic Level A up to $98,283 per annum plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits
• Based at the Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas.

About TropWATER

The Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER) is an amalgamation of aquatic expertise from across James Cook University. It brings together over 150 research and support staff and over 100 post-graduate students into one cohesive research group. TropWATER provides a unique opportunity for multidisciplinary research activities by integrating JCU’s aquatic expertise into one unit, which covers the full spectrum of freshwater, estuarine and marine waters, with expertise from ecology, water quality, hydrology, engineering, physics, oceanography, modelling and resource economics.

What you can accomplish in the role 

As a researcher, you will work within a multi-disciplinary team, working across established and growing programs within TropWATER.  You will have the opportunity to co-design and lead research projects with a focus on threatened flora and fauna (including marine megafauna) ecology, conservation and management at national and international levels.

Why JCU? 

JCU offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth – working under the values of Authenticity, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect. We support our people through the provision of;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave and Annual leave loading
• 15 days paid sick/carers leave per year
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Fitness Passport
• Free Employee Assistance Program (coaching and counselling)
• Access to online media subscriptions
• Corporate discount on health insurance premiums
• Well-equipped facilities including an on-campus childcare centre and primary school, cafes, hairdresser, post office, medical centre and gym.
• Balance of work and life so you can enjoy a lifestyle that supports a diverse range of leisure and sporting interests

• Possession of a PhD degree in Conservation Planning, with a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in both terrestrial and marine environments.
• Demonstrated high-level multi-disciplinary spatial and non-spatial data handling, processing and analysis skills including: management of large databases, programming (e.g., R, Python), geographic information systems and systematic conservation planning software (e.g., Marxan).
• Demonstrated knowledge of marine megafauna ecology, conservation, management, and challenges.
• Proven ability to conduct collaborative, multi‐disciplinary research within diverse teams and experience in industry engagement high impact research programs.
• Demonstrated high level written, oral and interpersonal communication skills to deliver results of scientific research to diverse audiences through a range of mediums.
• Demonstrated history of research outputs in the fields of conservation planning and marine megafauna ecology/management/monitoring, including the publication of scientific results in peer-reviewed journals and the production of technical reports.

How to Apply 

Ready to embark on this exciting journey? Visit the Careers at JCU Website and submit your application online.
 
Vacancy Reference Number 18851.
Applications close 24 March 2024.
 
James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet the role requirements to apply. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.