Research Scientist

Research Scientist Pool

• Fantastic opportunity to work on a range of exciting fisheries and aquatic science projects
• Learn and apply world-class fisheries research techniques
• Make a positive impact on the Western Australian (WA) community by supporting fisheries sustainability

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is seeking to establish a pool of qualified Research Scientists to work within the Aquatic Science and Assessment branch. There are currently five
(5) Research Scientist
positions available for immediate filling.

What will your typical day look like?

As a Research Scientist with DPIRD, your key responsibility will be to undertake fisheries-related scientific research. Successful applicants may be required to perform combinations of the following: quantitative fisheries stock assessments and various associated analyses, support development of strategic projects (including budgeting and management), lead and undertake field surveys, manage support staff, and produce scientific publications.

There are currently opportunities for applicants who have skills and/or relevant experience in the following areas:

Mollusc & Developing Fisheries

This Research Scientist is responsible for implementing scientific research that underpins the sustainable management of molluscan and hand collection fisheries throughout WA. This includes the provision of scientific advice (quantitative fisheries stock assessments – monitoring, analysis and population modelling) to support five Marine Stewardship Council certified fisheries, including the world's first abalone and sea cucumber certified fisheries, the pearl oyster enhanced fishery and the octopus fishery, which has recognised potential for growth.

Assessments

This Research Scientist is responsible for the delivery of timely, accurate and robust scientific information for the sustainable management of many socially and economically important WA fish and invertebrate stocks. This position involves developing and applying statistical and population model-based analyses, as well as facilitating processes to streamline the delivery of stock assessments, through developing relevant computer software, and providing statistical support to develop quantitative capacity among Research Scientists at DPIRD.

Strategic & Statewide

This Research Scientist is responsible for the maintenance and development of electronic monitoring of commercial fisheries to meet WTO conditions and support Marine Stewardship Council certified fisheries. This position will have a key role in developing science capacity in this rapidly developing area of fisheries monitoring. This position will work closely with DPIRD policy staff and the commercial fishing sector.

Shark Depredation

This Research Scientist will be responsible for implementing scientific research on shark depredation. The focus of this role will be working with fishing sectors to test a range of mitigation approaches and undertake a range of extension and education tasks in relation to sustainable management of WA's shark and scalefish resources.

Freshwater

This Research Scientist will focus on a freshwater crayfish (marron) habitat enhancement project in the state's south-west to boost recreational fishing opportunities. Key activities will include conducting field surveys of bathymetry, natural habitat and marron populations pre- and post- habitat installation, conducting data analyses and providing assessments and advice. This position will work closely with DPIRD policy staff, the recreational fishing sector and other government

agencies.

Enough about us, let's talk about you.

The successful applicants will have the ability to provide expert scientific advice to fisheries policy makers along with strong quantitative and communication skills. We are seeking individuals with a blend of skills drawn from the following list:

• strong conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills
• knowledge/experience in designing and/or undertaking scientific research surveys including electronic monitoring and field-based programs
• ability to work independently and collaboratively conducting research and analysis
• knowledge/experience of population modelling/stock assessment
• computer programming and coding skills (e.g. R, ADMB, TMB, Python)
• machine learning, computer vision, data annotation skills

Get ready to apply. It's simple.

Please submit your application through the Jobs WA website.

Need further information?

For enquiries regarding this
Recruitment Process
or the
Mollusc & Developing Fisheries
position, please contact
Lachlan Strain, Principal Research Scientist
, on during business hours).

For enquiries about the
Assessments
position, please contact
Alex Hesp, Principal Research Scientist
, on during business hours).

For enquiries about the
Strategic & Statewide, Shark Depredation and Freshwater
positions, please contact
Gary Jackson, Principal Research Scientist
, on during business hours).