senior research scientist

Department of Primary Industries and Regions

Job reference: 709481

Location: WEST BEACH

Job status: Long Term Contract

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Opportunity

The primary purpose of the Senior Research Scientist – Biogeochemical Modeler is to lead and deliver complex research projects that influence the sustainable development of South Australian marine industries and the effective management of marine ecosystems. The position leads the development and application of coupled marine biogeochemical models under current and future climate change scenarios for industry and grant-funded projects within the Oceanography Subprogram of SARDI's Marine Ecosystems Program. The role contributes delivering the agency's priorities including 'sustain the resource' and 'manage risk and recovery' by informing the sustainable management of South Australia's seafood and marine-based industries, effective management of marine environmental assets, and enhanced resilience of regional communities through science-led innovation and policy advice.

The role contributes to delivering SARDI Aquatic Sciences divisional objectives by playing a lead role in the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) project Ecologically Sustainable Aquaculture Growth through Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA) – Incorporating Nutrient Modelling into Regulatory Frameworks. This includes delivering biogeochemical modelling outcomes that underpin the development of models for IMTA, working collaboratively with hydrodynamic modelers, marine biochemists and PIRSA staff. This includes advancing existing nutrient–phytoplankton–zooplankton–detritus (NPZD) models by incorporating additional aquaculture species, improving model parameterisation and configuration, running models on high-performance computing systems, and assessing model predictive skill.

The outputs will inform national policy guidelines to support regulatory frameworks and enable ecologically sustainable aquaculture growth in South Australia. In addition to the FRDC project, the role provides specialist contribution to other R&D initiatives within the Subprogram, advancing SARDI's research capability in biogeochemical modelling.

About Us

South Australia is internationally recognised for the quality of its agriculture, food, and wine. Our regions are the backbone of our state and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency working in partnership with our primary industries, regional stakeholders and across all levels of government to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia's primary industries and regional communities.

We are a passionate team of around 800 people working across metropolitan and regional South Australia to develop and protect our state's regions and food, wine, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, grains, livestock, dairy and horticulture industries.

It's no wonder there are so many exciting and diverse career opportunities in our organisation. If you're ready to join us, apply now

Benefits

At the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, we offer our employees challenging and rewarding work with opportunities for career progression, learning and development and flexibility.

Our Commitment to Diversity

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age.

Special Conditions

• Successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Check (NPC) prior to being made an offer of employment.
• Opportunity up to November 2028.
• Full time, 37.5 hours per week.

Requirements

• Possession of a current Class C driver's licence and willingness to drive.
• Ability and willingness to undertake sampling and experiments from small research vessels and industry partner vessels, including extended hours at sea.
• Out-of-hours work and inter- and intrastate travel may be required.
• The position is based at SARDI's West Beach facility (Adelaide Metropolitan) and the Lincoln Marine Science Centre (Regional), with trials at offshore aquaculture leases in the Port Lincoln region requiring regular travel between sites.
• Periods of time will be spent at sea on small boats and large research vessels.
• Australian residency or current works permit is required (responsibility of applicant to provide evidence of a current work permit).
• You acknowledge your work, health and safety obligations and our expectations when applying for a role.
• The incumbent will be required to undertake emergency management training and must be willing to participate in emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities required by government agencies.
• The incumbent will be required to contribute to whole-of-agency working groups developing PIRSA policy responses to significant and emerging issues as required.

Qualifications

• Essential: A PhD or equivalent in a relevant field of science, such as numerical modelling in physical and/or biogeochemical oceanography.

Remuneration

PO4 - $110,696 min - $120,470 max per annum, plus superannuation

Enquiries

Mark Doubell

Senior Research Scientist - Sub Program Leader

Phone:

Email:

Website:

Application Instructions

Applications can be submitted online by clicking the 'Apply' button.

Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae and a cover letter of no more than three pages addressing the capabilities within the role description.

Applicants must include the contact information of at least 2 referees and a completed "Pre-Employment Declaration in the SA Public Sector" form.

Applications close: 14/12/2025 11:45 PM