Postdoctoral Research Associate

**Job no**: 498845

**Work type**: Full time

**Location**: Hobart

**Categories**: Research Intensive, Research Focused

**Postdoctoral Research Associate - Marine Biogeochemist**
- Full time Fixed term for 2 years
- Based in Hobart
- Contribute to research in a new project ‘Zooplankton and ocean productivity in a changing climate’

**The Opportunity**

The Postdoctoral Research Associate - Marine Biogeochemist position will contribute to a recently funded ARC Discovery Project entitled “Zooplankton and ocean productivity in a changing climate”. This project aims to quantify how zooplankton contribute to the biological carbon pump and examine potential climate driven changes in food quantity and quality as well as changes in temperature. There is currently very little information on how zooplankton modulate biological productivity which leads to poor predictive outcomes for models of Southern Ocean iron and carbon cycling. Through a combination of laboratory and field experiments, as well as modelling exercises, this project will address this knowledge gap and examine its biogeochemical and ecological impact on Southern Ocean productivity.

**Key Accountabilities**:

- Make an effective and sustained contribution to the research objectives of the ARC Discovery Project, and at a wider level to the University and IMAS in achieving its strategic objectives through research on quantifying marine biogeochemical cycling in the Southern Ocean.
- Undertake high-quality research/scholarly activities under limited supervision either independently or as a member of a team, publish research findings as sole author or in collaboration, and contribute to the successful supervision of Honours and Masters students, in order to meet and regularly exceed the University’s research performance expectations for Level A.
- Participate in field programs, including repeat oceanographic surveys and process studies in the Southern Ocean.
- Disseminate research results at national and international meetings, and through seminars to colleagues and collaborators.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of productive and effective links inside the University and locally and nationally with the discipline, relevant interdisciplinary domains, profession, industry and/or wider community.

**Your Application**
- A PhD or equivalent in a relevant field of science or engineering (e.g., oceanography, ecology, geochemistry, marine or environmental science, biogeochemistry, etc).
- An ability and understanding of research in the field of marine biogeochemistry and/or ecology demonstrated by a strong academic record, including publication outputs, presentations at conferences and (preferably) success in securing funding.
- Ability to work efficiently with mínimal supervision, with a capacity to set and prioritise strategic research directions, and to design and complete collaborative research programs to achieve scientific goals.
- Experience in University-level tutoring and learning within the field of expertise.
- A record of contributing to building and maintaining effective and productive networks with the discipline, profession, industry (where relevant) and wider community.
- DESIRABLE: Experience in seawater and zooplankton sample collection and processing, laboratory and field mesocosm experiments (preferably grazing experiments), and experiments and chemical analyses in clean laboratories and remote environments (e.g. from oceanographic vessels and/or in polar regions).
- DESIRABLE: Skills in programming, software and modelling for biogeochemical research.

**Remuneration**

Appointment to this role will be at Academic Level A and will have a total remuneration package of up to $115,310 comprising base salary within the range of $76,213 to $98,555 plus 17% superannuation.

**COVID-19 Update**:
The University of Tasmania recognises that this is critical for the workforce at the University to protect the safety of our workforce and vulnerable Tasmanians.

Applicants for this role must be prepared to provide evidence of Covid-19 vaccination as a condition of employment.

**Considering a move to Tasmania to take up this opportunity?**

Offering a breath of fresh air, our island State’s wild landscapes, unique towns and fascinating history have something for everyone. Tasmania has crafted a unique brand of creativity and adventure; case in point: world-famous MONA and the exceptional mountain bike tracks of Derby. Our world-famous food and wine provide an abundance of fresh seafood, family-run wineries and distilleries, and culinary experiences celebrating farm-fresh produce. From our island shores, our research extends to the great Southern Ocean and down to the Antarctic.

**How to Apply**
- Please refer to the attached Position Description below for full details.
- Resume
- Cover letter outlining your suitability and motivation for the role
- Your responses to the success criteria from the Position Description below