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

Joining the Indigenous Partnerships team as a (Senior) Research Scientist you will lead the establishment of new Indigenous led science directions for AIMS. Your research will address Traditional Owner knowledge needs and incorporate Traditional Knowledge systems and Indigenous science approaches with other AIMS science in a social-ecological framework.

This position will establish genuine research partnerships with Traditional Owner and Indigenous organisations across northern Australia and collaborate across AIMS’ other science programs to foster best -practice co-design approaches and better understand research impact generated by AIMS’ science portfolio.

As a (Senior) Research Scientist you will support the professional development of Indigenous staff and collaborators, including through the Indigenous Undergraduate Internship program, Graduate Program, Indigenous Research Fellowships and the academic supervision of Higher Degree Research candidates.

About you

You will hold a PhD in Indigenous science, social science, social ecological frameworks, or natural resource management including through Traditional practice. You will also have demonstrated experience in co-designing and collaborating with First Nations Australians, experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods appropriate for Indigenous-western science integration, and a commitment to applying the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research.

As a (Senior) Research Scientist you will have demonstrated experience developing and managing research projects throughout the entire project lifecycle, from critical thinking and developing research questions and concept designs in consultation with Traditional Owner Partners.

Our ideal candidate will have extensive experience in research and field work throughout Northern Australia and with First Nations People.

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 5 to AOF Level 7 salary ($122,283 to $180,846 per annum) plus 15.4% superannuation
• Full-time, Permanent opportunity
• Located in Townsville (Qld), Perth (WA) or Darwin (NT)
• 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.