About AIMS

The Australian Institute of Marine Science is Australia’s tropical marine research agency.

We are a trusted advisor, a partner and employer of choice, and we value integrity, innovation, collaboration and respect. AIMS’ research of Australia’s tropical marine ecosystems guides their effective environmental management and contributes to our understanding of similar ecosystems around the world.

Our research seeks to deliver practical benefit to all Australians and supports the sustainable use of our tropical marine estate. Governments, reef managers, industry and the wider community look to our high-quality, long-term research for informed decisions about our iconic Great Barrier Reef, North-West Shelf, and Arafura and Timor Seas. AIMS expert teams at our locations in Townsville, Darwin and Perth have access to world-class infrastructure, unique datasets, cutting-edge laboratories, and a fleet of modern research vessels.

About this exciting opportunity

As the Indigenous Research Fellow you will contribute to projects that bring Indigenous knowledge, science and perspectives together with AIMS science in genuine partnerships. You will work collaboratively with your supervisor to develop and implement a training and development plan that includes enrolment in a Higher Degree Research course (masters of PhD) at an appropriate university, which you will be supported to complete during work time. You will gain experience planning and conducting original research including generating appropriate research questions, evaluation of options, research design, data collection and analysis, and results interpretation aligned with the field of Indigenous Led Science.

This role makes significant contributions to the interpretation and communication of project results and collaborates on drafting presentations, written reports and presentations targeting clients, the scientific community and collaborators including First Nations project partners.

About you

You will hold a bachelor or master’s degree (AOF3 Enhanced) or are about to complete one in a discipline suitable as a foundation for a future research career related to weaving Indigenous knowledge systems with Western scientific approaches, which is your aspiration and passion. You also have strong cross-cultural communication skills supported by the ability to foster positive relationships and environments that promote high levels of cooperation while contributing to the goals and objectives.

You will have proven experience operating in a research and/or academic environment along with a demonstrated knowledge of First Nations Sea Country issues and the evolving political, social and cultural context of First Nations issues in Australia.

Our ideal applicant will bring knowledge of and experience with social science research methodologies suitable for co-design of projects that bring traditional knowledge together with western science.

Apply now and join a world leading organisation with attractive working conditions. In line with our Enterprise Agreement, the successful candidate will be rewarded with:

• AIMS AOF Level 3 Enhanced (Band 1-9) to AOF Level 4 salary ($76,454 to $110,957 per annum) plus 15.4% superannuation
• Full-time, Permanent opportunity
• Located in Townsville (Qld)
• 9-day fortnight, enjoy a long weekend each fortnight
• Flexible Work Arrangements considered including hybrid working (where suitable)
• Generous and supportive leave entitlements
• Access to Commuter car fleet arrangements to travel to site (in Townsville only)
• Salary Sacrifice opportunities
• Access to Fitness Passport program, offering discounted membership to selected gyms
• Employee Assistance Program
• Relocation assistance available

Discover more about Working at AIMS | AIMS.

Please note:

Non-Australian Citizens must hold an appropriate Visa with working entitlements that allows paid employment with AIMS from commencement and for the full term of the appointment, depending on the relevant Department of Home Affairs current policies.

Next Step

Further information about this exciting and challenging opportunity is outlined in the Candidate Information Pack which is available to download from our website www.aims.gov.au. If, after reviewing the position description and selection criteria included in the Candidate Information Pack, you believe that your qualifications, experience and professional capabilities will enable you to successfully the deliver the position responsibilities, we encourage you to make an application via our website.

Submitting your Application: Please ensure that you have your completed documents (selection criteria responses, resume and cover letter) ready to attach to your online application form via our e-recruitment system which can be accessed via our website www.aims.gov.au.

Position enquiries are to be directed to Libby Evans-Illidge, Manager, Indigenous Partnerships Program at [email protected]. Applications must be made through our website per above.

Applications close: SUNDAY, 15 JUNE 2025 (11.45PM, AEST).

AIMS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia's first scientists. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past, present and future, and the custodians of the land and sea Country on which we work.