Research Officer/Senior Research Officer

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a Research Officer/Senior Research Officer to join our team in TropWATER in the Research Division.

• Full-time and fixed-term for two years 
• Located at the picturesque Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus in tropical North Queensland
• ACAD Level A or B $75,942 - $125,774 p.a. plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits

ABOUT TROPWATER

The Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER) is Australia’s premiere tropical aquatic research group and is an amalgamation of aquatic expertise from across James Cook University (JCU). The Centre comprises of over 150 staff and 100 post-graduate students and performs research in fields related to water science, resource management and the ecology of water ecosystems.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

As part of the TropWATER Coastal Ecology Group the Research Officer/Senior Research Officer will contribute to an expanding program within TropWATER - coastal river ecology, water quality and wetland systems repair. The incumbent will work within a team of scientists currently completing research projects for a range of government, industry and non-government partners. The incumbent will work on projects that are generally across northern Australia, though the incumbent may have a strong international background and network to further expand the program, or work within our expanding research group network.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 

• Possess either a PhD or a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 6 years of professional experience in a related field of coastal ecology and water quality.
• Demonstrated high level experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of environmental data sets and experiments, and in the context of relevant guidelines and scientific literature relevant to the position.
• Demonstrated skills in tropical river estuarine or coastal ecology, water quality, wetland repair ecology and groundwater interactions, as it applies to catchment land use, restoration, conservation and environmental assessment.
• Experience managing projects individually or contributing significantly to the management of projects, including preparing funding proposals, sourcing opportunities for projects and developing relationships with potential clients, stakeholders and collaborators.
• Demonstrated history of research outputs including the production of technical reports and publication of scientific results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated computer skills including the use of Microsoft and database/statistical related software.
• Experience with organizing and managing field programs or similar logistical operations, including in remote locations, and demonstrated experience with driving 4WD and operating vessels in coastal waters.
• Experience mentoring postgraduate students. (desirable)
• Awareness of emerging river and coastal wetland ecology and water quality research and management practices. (desirable) 

WHY JCU? 

JCU offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Employee wellbeing is at the core of our values, and we support our people through the provision of flexible working conditions and many other benefits including;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave and 15 days of paid sick/personal/carers leave per year
• Cultural leave and Flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development support
• Access to online media subscriptions
• Well-equipped campus facilities including medical, cafes, gym and childcare.

WHAT MATTERS TO US AT JCU? 

Our People – Our staff, students, and the communities we serve

Our Education – Knowledge has the power to change lives

Our Place – the Tropics and beyond

Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

HOW TO APPLY 

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

To learn more about working for JCU please visit our website: https://www.jcu.edu.au/careers-at-jcu.

To read more about this opportunity and view the supporting documentation, click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form
2. Upload your current resume
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role. 
4. Upload a separate document in response to the selection criteria specified in relation to the selection criteria as found in the duty descriptor. 

Applications close on 22 September 2024 at 11:55 PM AEST.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Dr Nathan Waltham at nathan.waltham@jcu.edu.au or telephone 0411 161 161. 

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply.  We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.