Research Associate

**Job no**: 498166

**Work type**: Full time

**Location**: Hobart

**Categories**: Research Focused

**Research Associate -Oceanographer**

**Australian Antarctic Program Partnership**
- Full time, fixed term opportunity for three (3) years
- Based in Hobart with relocation assistance considered.

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.

**The Opportunity**

The Research Associate - Oceanographer will be a member of Theme 2: The Nature and Impacts of Southern Ocean Change - and will undertake research to investigate the utility of swath altimeter and other observational data to quantify regional Southern Ocean dynamics, heat and carbon uptake and transfers with ocean models. The position will also contribute to Theme 1 (Antarctica’s Influence on Climate and Sea Level) and to Theme 3 (The Future of Antarctic Sea Ice, Krill and Ecosystems). The position has a team focus and will provide strong quantitative and physics skills to the activities of the group. The position demands a productive and innovative researcher capable of initiating and driving independent research ideas as well as collaboratively supporting the work of others.

**Key Accountabilities**
- Undertake innovative research using observations and models to investigate and quantify regional Southern Ocean dynamics, heat and carbon uptake and transfers. Under the broad direction of the supervisors, the Research Associate will have a substantial degree of autonomy within the scope of the following objectives.
- Make an effective and sustained contribution to the AAPP strategic objectives and at a wider level to the University and IMAS in achieving its strategic objectives through research on driving the uptake of SWOT satellite data for oceanography in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current dynamics.
- Prepare and participate in the RV-Investigator cruise in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current to validate the SWOT satellite observations and enhance our understanding of meander dynamics and heat and carbon pathways.
- Work with AAPP oceanographers and other key collaborators to improve the understanding of fine scale processes through model runs and data assimilation validation and quantification of the value of Swath altimetry.
- Undertake high-quality research of international standing, lead and/or contribute to efforts to secure external competitive and other funding, publish research findings and contribute to the successful supervision of research higher degree students, in order to meet and regularly exceed the University’s research performance expectations for Level B.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of productive and effective links with AAPP partners and their national and international collaborators, and other relevant agencies within the discipline where appropriate.

**Your Application**
- A PhD in Physical Oceanography or other relevant field of science (e.g., meteorology or climate science).
- Excellent understanding of Southern Ocean dynamics, global ocean circulation, and ocean’s role in climate.
- Experience with analysis of autonomous observing systems (e.g. drones, AUV, gliders), satellite altimetry, and ocean model outputs.
- A good record of, and continuing commitment to, research that has achieved international recognition and made worthwhile contributions to the field of oceanography, demonstrated by a record of quality publications, presentations at conferences.
- A record of contributing to building and maintaining effective and productive relations with collaborators both in the field and office workplace.

**Remuneration**

Appointment to this role will be at Academic Level B and will have a total remuneration package of up to $142,799 comprising base salary within the range of $105,131 to $122,050 plus 17% superannuation.

**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.

**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 mu