Research Associate

**Job no**: 500582
**Work type**: Full time
**Location**: Hobart
**Categories**: Research Focused
- Contribute to assessing the impacts of climate change, sea level, sea ice & marine ecosystems
- Support the decision-makers with the knowledge needed to frame and respond to climate change
- Support research to understand the role of the Antarctic region in the global climate system
- Contribute to the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP) a research program funded through the Antarctic Science Collaboration Initiative
- The University of Tasmania acknowledges the palawa/pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present._

**The Opportunity**

The Research Associate - Carbon Biogeochemist will be a member of Theme 2: The Nature and Impacts of Southern Ocean Change - and will provide a key role in using observations to quantify regional variations in Southern Ocean carbon uptake and ocean acidification. The position will also contribute to Theme 3 (The Future of Antarctic Sea Ice, Krill and Ecosystems). Making an effective and sustained contribution to the AAPP strategic objectives and at a wider level to the University and IMAS through research focused on the biogeochemical cycling of carbon in the Southern Ocean.

The role will undertake high quality research in:
- evaluating changes (seasonal, interannual and decadal) in biogeochemical cycles using a suite of existing observations (e.g., underway shipboard observations, hydrographic sections, moorings, profiling floats, USVs) and model outputs and or model simulations;
- identify the underlying drivers of such change and / or what measurables could act as early indicators of tipping points;
- assessing the drivers of interannual to decadal variability in Southern Ocean CO2 uptake, including identification of regional pathways and assessment of the importance of mesoscale processes;
- evaluating changes and occurrence of extreme events in the Southern Ocean (e.g., temperature, pH, primary production) using observations and/or output of model simulations (OFAM3) for use in identification of “hotspots” and “refugia” of ecosystem stress.

Equally, the role will participate in field programs, including repeat hydrographic surveys and process studies in the Southern Ocean, and annual voyages to the Southern Ocean Time Series (SOTS) site in the subantarctic region.

**What’s Required**
- A PhD or equivalent in a relevant field of science or engineering; e.g., oceanography, geochemistry, marine or environmental science, biogeochemistry.
- A good record of, and continuing commitment to, research that has achieved national recognition and made worthwhile contributions to the field of biogeochemistry, demonstrated by a record of quality publications, presentations at conferences and preferably success in securing external competitive and other funding.
- A collaborative team player with experience working with large datasets and/or the output of model simulations.
- Experience in performing sample collection, sampling processing and chemical analyses in remote environments (e.g. from oceanographic vessels and/or in polar regions).
- Record of contributing to building and maintaining effective and productive links nationally and internationally within the discipline.
- Productive and innovative researcher capable of initiating and driving independent research ideas as well as collaboratively supporting the work of others.

**About the University & the Australian Antarctic Program**

We are University committed to the local and global transformations the world needs to make to create a sustainable, inclusive and prosperous society. Ranked #1 in the World for Climate Action and #2 in the World overall in the Time Higher Education Impact Rankings we are committed sustainable development and to making a difference. As the 4th oldest university in Australia and sole university for this special Island jurisdiction we have long history of contributing to the flourishing Tasmania and making a disproportionate global contribution.

The AAPP brings together government and non-government entities to deliver and lead a significant part of the national Antarctic science program. The partnership is led by the University of Tasmania (UTAS), and includes the Australian Antarctic Division, CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Geoscience Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology, the Tasmanian State Government and Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System.

**What’s on Offer?**

We value our staff and the important contributions they make to our community. You’ll have access an array of staff benefits and discounts including:

- 26 Weeks paid parental leave for primary care givers
- 17% Superannuation contribution
- Health and fitness membership options
- Accommodation and Car Hire discoun