Research Officer

PRIMARY DETAIL
- Work for the award-winning Living Seawalls project
- Assist with field monitoring and lab analyses from Living Seawalls installations
- Supervise interns and support outreach for the project

THE ROLE

THE ROLE

An exciting opportunity for a Research Officer exists in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University. We are seeking a qualified Research Officer to join the Living Seawalls project, involving collaboration between Macquarie University (MQ), University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS). Living Seawalls is investigating methods to enhance the ecological value of artificial structures in the marine environment, such as seawalls and pilings. The role would be primarily based at SIMS in Mosman, NSW with the expectation of occasional meetings at MQ or UNSW as required.

As part of the collaboration between MQ and UNSW, the successful applicant will be offered a role on a part-time basis with MQ (0.5 FTE), and the remainder will be provided by UNSW.

Reporting to the leadership team of Living Seawalls, the Research Officer will:
- Work alongside the scientific leadership team of Living Seawalls to develop laboratory and field protocols and quality assurance and control.- Organise fieldtrips and conduct sampling of the structure and function of ecological communities establishing on and around seawalls and rocky shores. This includes fieldwork management and preparation of all associated Health & Safety documents related to fieldwork (e.g. Field Friendly).- Identify and enumerate marine invertebrates, macroalgae and fish in the laboratory and in the field.- Process samples in the laboratory as needed.- Develop and work to a schedule for sample processing and fieldwork. This will include regular communication with supervisors.- Data management (data entry, checking and analyses, QA/QC).-
- Oversee Living Seawalls (and other product) installations.- Oversee and manage interns and undergraduate students also working on the project in both the laboratory and field.- Organise and participate of outreach and media activities as well as document all related activities.- Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About Us

The

Faculty of Science and Engineering

is a young and dynamic faculty driven by the spirit of discovery. Here we nurture the next generation of science and technology innovators. From a handful of students on the University’s first day, the Faculty now serves over 8,000 students across all our courses.

The

School of Natural Sciences

at Macquarie University was established on 1 January 2022 through the amalgamation of the Departments of Biological Sciences, Molecular Sciences, and Earth and Environmental Sciences. The School is the largest in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and is a vibrant community of educators, researchers and students working across a wide range of biological, biomolecular, biomedical, chemical, environmental and geoscience disciplines.

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation 59 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we’ve grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community.

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Selection Criteria

To be considered for this position, applicants must address the selection criteria below in a cover letter, and attach your CV (including a list of two referees).

Essential- Experience conducting marine ecological fieldwork in intertidal and/or shallow subtidal environments;- SCUBA licence and ability to become a scientific diver;- Knowledge of temperate marine invertebrate, algal and/or fish taxonomy;- Ability to work independently, with mínimal supervision, and as part of a group;- Excellent organizational and time management skills;- Understanding of and commitment to QA/QC;- Well-developed interpersonal skills;- Willingness to work some early mornings or late nights, where fieldwork requires it;- Current drivers licence;Desirable- Degree in Marine Biology or a related discipline;- Experience in conducting marine ecological fieldwork on rocky shores, rocky reefs and/or built structures;- Experience processing invertebrate samples in the laboratory;- Experience processing video footage of fish;- Experience organising fieldwork trips and managing fieldwork teams;- NSW boat licence.

Salary package: from $80,753 to $91,815 per annum (HEW Level 5) pro-rata (with MQ), plus 17% employer’s superannuation and annual leave loading.

Appointment Type: Part-time (0.5 FTE), fixed term up to 1 year. The remaining 0.5FTE appointment is provided through UNSW.

Role Enquiries: A/Prof Katherine Dafforn or Prof Melanie Bishop at

General Recruitment Enquiries: Rebecca P