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 Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Community-Based Fisheries Co-Management to join our team at the College of Science and Engineering in the Academy Division, working in collaboration with the international NGO the Wildlife Conservation Society.​

• Full-time and fixed-term for two years
• Located at either the picturesque Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus in Tropical North Queensland, or remote work from another location within Australia
• ACAD Level A $78,220 - $104,521 plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits

About the College of Science and Engineering

The College of Science and Engineering is a comprehensive provider of world class research and undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a range of science, technology and engineering disciplines.

As part of the Academy, the College of Science and Engineering promotes, supports and administers quality teaching, hands-on experiences, industry placements and research at JCU in the areas of Marine Biology & Aquaculture, Zoology and Ecology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Information Technology, Physical Sciences Engineering and Veterinary Science.

We are recognised globally for our excellence in research and we strive to ensure that we bring research directly into our classrooms. Our diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs are united by a commitment to excellent teaching, experiential learning opportunities utilising our world class infrastructure and natural laboratories, and a commitment to diversity and respect for difference.

Our postgraduate courses offer professionals opportunities to develop their abilities and advance their careers and our PhD program has launched a thousand research careers.

About the opportunity

Small-scale fisheries account for 40% of global fish catch, employ 90% of the world’s fishers, and play a pivotal role in global food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable resource utilization. Fisheries co-management is widely considered to be the most appropriate, fair, and effective form of governance for small-scale fisheries. While fisheries co-management will continue to grow, its implementation does not guarantee positive impacts for food security, nutrition, livelihoods, or biodiversity.

While in many countries where fisheries co-management is established there are guiding documents and existing frameworks, global synthesis of patterns and processes remain limited. Furthermore, fisheries co-management is not a one size fits all approach, with broad differences between countries and regions that are often grouped under this one broad term. The objective of this post-doctoral position is to conduct a global assessment of fisheries co-management programs in order to i) develop a typology of fisheries co-management programs, ii) understand patterns of governance, and iii) link these to social and ecological impacts.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Community-Based Fisheries Co-management will work closely with the Wildlife Conservation Society to conduct research that advances their newly established Community Fisheries program. Drawing on long, in some cases multi-decadal, fisheries and conservation partnerships in over 30 countries with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, their governments, and other coastal stakeholders, WCS is uniquely positioned to support the enhancement of small-scale fisheries to secure biodiversity, food security and livelihoods.

Research activities will be conducted as a member of a team, or independently under the primary supervision of the project leader. It will also incorporate project specific administration functions / report and publication writing and the co-supervision of postgraduate students. With funding support through the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), it is anticipated that the post-doctoral researcher with also communicate closely and regularly with the Executive Director of the WCS Global Marine Program, its Community Fisheries staff, and WCS field programs.

What you can bring to the role

• Completion of a PhD in a relevant social or natural science field (e.g. natural resource economics geography, geography, ecology/life sciences, fisheries science), with preference for candidates who have experience in social-ecological systems research; and experience in aquatic resources and the fisheries sector;
• Strong quantitative and data analysis skills.
• Strong interdisciplinary skills across social science, economics, and natural sciences;
• Experience in conducting systems-level assessments or systematic reviews and in compiling, organizing, analyzing and communicating disparate and novel content and data;
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to collaborate with NGOs and other stakeholders;
• Ability to lead projects to completion.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently including remotely, and with time-bound deadlines.

Shape your future with JCU

At JCU we’re not just shaping minds; we’re shaping the future.

As Australia’s only university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide, JCU is dedicated to helping the world’s tropical regions to prosper. With our main campuses located in the vibrant and diverse tropics of Northern Queensland, JCU is at the forefront of research and education in some of the world’s most critical areas, including marine biology, environmental science, tropical and rural health, and more.

Find out more about JCU and our locations.

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
• Well-equipped campus facilities including medical, cafes, gym and childcare.

How to Apply and Contact Details

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

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 as specified in the duty descriptor.

Applications close on Wednesday 27 August at 11:55 PM AEST.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Dr Patrick Smallhorn-West via email [email protected].

About our Process

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

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

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.