Marine Biology Researcher

Research Assistant Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Research Assistant in marine biology.

The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic project focused on assessing fish connectivity across highly modified seascapes. The project aims to quantify the effects of large-scale infrastructure on fish connectivity and populations by advancing our understanding of critical ecological processes within these modified coastal seascapes.

• The project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of fish seascape ecology and management using an innovative approach which considers data from all life history stages including larval fish sampling, baited remote underwater video and acoustic tracking.
• These data will be used in a metapopulation modelling context to better predict the effects of habitat modifications and loss or alteration of natural habitats. This should provide significant benefits by allowing assessment of development and management actions before they take place, supporting long-term planning.

About the Opportunity

As a Research Assistant, you will play a key role in the overall organisation of the project and its team, supporting the lead researchers in data collection, processing and analysis.

• You will be responsible for organising and leading field campaigns to collect data, working closely with NSW DPIRD Scientists, Technicians and Managers.
• You will have the opportunity to be involved in various levels of data analysis and writing of outputs.

Key Responsibilities

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Supporting timely research execution, organisational skills and ensuring compliance with regulations, policies and procedures.
• Facilitating communication with internal and external stakeholders, addressing concerns proactively and fostering collaboration.
• Managing purchasing, payments and invoice processing, undertaking additional duties within classification level as required.
• Prioritising and coordinating health and safety activities, including safety drills and risk management in daily operations.
• Planning and leading coastal fieldwork, organising logistics, maintaining field equipment and ensuring safety and ethics compliance.
• Assisting with data collection and analysis, processing biological data and coordinating accurate reporting and documentation of research outputs.

About You

We are looking for someone with:

• A BSc (or equivalent) in relevant discipline coupled with demonstrated experience in a related role.
• Current NSW drivers license - minimum class C.
• NSW recreational boating license or equivalent.
• Experience conducting marine fieldwork, including animal tracking and general fish ecology-related research.
• Demonstrated technical experience in marine biodiversity assessment and implementation of scientific monitoring programs.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to managing large datasets and comfortable using MS Office suite.
• Experienced snorkeler.
• Experience operating boats in marine environments and trailering them.
• Experience working in large teams.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Scientific diving qualification (AS2815.6 - Restricted Occupational Scuba Diving).
• Experience with data collection, QAQC procedures and data analysis.
• Experience with 'R' programming language.
• Fish dissection experience, including otolith analysis.
• Analysis of video data from marine systems (e.g. BRUVs, DOVs).

Sponsorship / Work Rights for Australia

Please note that sponsorship/work rights for Australia is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment Checks

Your employment is conditional upon completion of all required pre-employment/background checks satisfactory to the University.

EEO Statement

We strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the community we serve.

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