Research Technician

APS 6 - $88,408 - $100,378 per annum plus superannuation
- Australian Antarctic Division
- Kingston, TAS
- Contribute to and support research into biology and ecology of krill.
- Deliver impactful science to ensure sustainable and well managed Southern Ocean fisheries.
- Ongoing role which will provide Antarctic fieldwork opportunities.

**Who we are**
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. As primary agency for Australia's Antarctic Program (AAP), the AAD is responsible for achieving the Australian Government's Antarctic goals.

These goals are to:

- maintain the Antarctic Treaty System and enhance Australia's influence within it
- protect the Antarctic environment
- understand the role of Antarctica in the global climate system
- undertake scientific work of practical, economic and national significance.

The AAD also has responsibility for administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard and McDonald Islands.

The AAD Science Branch leads, conducts and supports a world class program of scientific research and environmental management, consistent with national priorities through the Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Plan. The branch provides research and advice to support Australia’s Antarctic policy objectives, including participation in the Antarctic Treaty system and other international committees, commissions and intergovernmental panels. It manages and administers the Australian Antarctic Science Program (including project requests, assessment, and reporting) and provides scientific and research advice to support regulatory and management decisions. The branch provides scientific advice for Antarctic capability projects, conducts impact assessments and develops strategies to address environmental legacies, and undertakes targeted outreach promoting the value of Australian Antarctic science.

The responsibilities of the Science Branch are diverse as we lead the Australian Government’s scientific program in Antarctica. Our research addresses critical issues including climate change, the human footprint in Antarctica, and the conservation of Antarctic and Southern Ocean wildlife. Our diverse research program covers physical and life sciences in the atmosphere, terrestrial and marine domains.

Research themes include:

- understanding key high latitude processes;
- reconstructing past climate from ice cores; understanding the role of sea ice in climate and ecosystem processes;
- assessing the Antarctic ice sheet and its contribution to sea level rise;
- undertaking strategic and integrated monitoring of biological and physical variables;
- data processing and synthesis;
- performing environmental assessments and conservation planning to inform and drive management and policy;
- undertaking risk assessment and remediation of contaminated sites;
- ensuring sustainable and well managed Southern Ocean fisheries and understanding krill as the foundation of the Southern Ocean ecosystem.

The Southern Ocean Ecosystems Programme conducts research and development of innovative techniques towards ensuring sustainable and well managed Southern Ocean fisheries and understanding krill as the foundation of the Southern Ocean ecosystem.

**The Job**
Duties will include:

- contributing to research activities on krill and zooplankton, including species identification, measurements and preservation of samples
- coordinating target trawling operations for the collection of scientific samples, including the selection of suitable targets and the management of staff and sampling protocols
- contributing to the development and implementation of RSV Nuyina’s wet well, and fixed and containerised laboratories
- undertaking laboratory and aquarium experiments on krill and other zooplankton under limited supervision both at sea and in shore-based laboratories
- deployment and recovery of scientific moorings
- undertaking equipment procurement and maintenance
- conducting post-voyage sample and data management and processing
- assisting with the preparation of research papers and other project work as required
- undertaking marine science voyages of up to ninety days in duration in two of every three years.

**What we are looking for**

**Knowledge and experience**
- A demonstrated track record of fostering collaboration towards effective science outcomes, and contributing to a positive and inclusive team culture.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver a safe and equitable workplace.
- Proven experience in at-sea and land-based laboratory experimental krill or zooplankton biology.
- Proven experience in the design and implementation of ship-based monitoring and experimental strategies.
- Experience in the operation and experimental use of marine research aquaria on land and at sea.
- (Desirable) Experience in water quality measurements, microscopy and image analysis.

**Skills and capabilities**
- Demonst