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 a rapidly expanding area of research, your role will be to work within a busy team environment to undertake underwater monitoring field work and produce high quality peer-reviewed publications. The fieldwork takes place in remote locations including live-aboard on large vessels, participating in field data collection, data entry, QA/QC, analysis and reporting. Your role will include significant contributions to the planning, coordination and execution of field work and involvement in all aspects of reef fish monitoring data. You will contribute to the identification of research questions, analyses, interpretation, and publication of data, and to the communication of research results.

This is a hands-on role, with extensive periods working in the field under demanding conditions participating in monitoring campaigns. Team members generally spend up to 100-120 days in the field each year. You will demonstrate willingness and availability to participate in 5-6 field trips of 3 weeks each. You will contribute to field sampling via SCUBA, manta tow and other technology as required, and take responsibility for research equipment management in the field. Additionally, the role includes data management, QA/QC, statistical analyses and production of high-quality peer-reviewed publications.

About you

Your tertiary qualification/s in marine ecology, extensive work experience in the biology and ecology of reef fishes, especially in a fieldwork setting, and excellent interpersonal communication skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with various stakeholders underpin your suitability for this role. You will also be able to demonstrate your:

• well-developed knowledge of coral reef ecosystems and the ability to identify major coral reef taxa, especially non-cryptic, diurnal coral reef fishes to species level;
• demonstrated familiarity with underwater survey techniques, especially visual surveys along transects and using manta tow;
• competence in experimental and survey design, analyses, and use of statistical analysis software (e.g., R);
• proven track record of high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals; and
• capability to work independently to achieve project outcomes, as well as being a strong team-player with the ability to foster innovation and collaborative relationships

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 (Bands 1-9) to AIMS AOF Level 4 salary ($76,454 to $110,957 per annum) plus 15.4% superannuation (dependent on appointee’s relevant qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience)
• 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 Dr Daniela Ceccarelli, Reef Fish Ecologist at [email protected]. Applications must be made through our website per above.

Applications close: SUNDAY, 17 AUGUST 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.