Research Assistant (Marine Ecology)

School of Biological Sciences

• Opportunity for a passionate marine ecology Research Assistant to join the Wernberg Lab studying ecology of temperate marine ecosystems
• Level 4, full-time appointment on a 1-year fixed term contract
• Base salary range: $68,640 - $72,913 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

About the team

The Wernberg lab is a dynamic research group based at the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre. The lab studies the ecology of temperate marine ecosystems, including biodiversity and function of the Great Southern Reef, seaweed blue carbon, climate change impacts, adaptive capacity, and restoration and future proofing of Australia’s unique temperate marine ecosystems. Our research takes a multidisciplinary approach that combines field surveys and experiments, cutting edge genomics, ecological models, and social sciences.

About the opportunity

Reporting to Professor Thomas Wernberg, you will work in the laboratory, aquaria and field to assist in the coordination and upscaling of our kelp blue carbon and restoration activities along the Western Australian coast. You will also contribute to desktop research activities including literature studies and data management.

About you 

As an experienced individual in marine field research, you will be a highly motivated individual who has demonstrated ability to work independently, show initiative and work collaboratively as part of a team. A PADI Rescue Diver or equivalent SCUBA qualification and Australian Coxswain certificate Grade I or II are highly desirable. 

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate:

• Year 12 or equivalent competency
• Relevant experience at an appropriate level ideally relating to aquaria design, set up and maintenance
• Well-developed organisational skills with the demonstrated ability to set priorities and to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently, show initiative, problem solve and work productively as part of a team
• Experience with data management and analysis, accessing and summarising scientific literature

Note: A current ‘C’ class driver’s licence is a requirement of this position.

About your application

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description:   PD - Research Assistant 512646.pdf

The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Friday, 30 September 2022

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Professor Thomas Wernberg on [email protected]

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace.  We celebrate difference and believe diversity is fundamental to achieving our goals as a globally recognised Top 100 educational and research institution.  We are committed to creating a safe work environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community and people living with disability.

• We have a globally competitive, gender neutral parental leave policy with 26 weeks paid leave after 12 months service and 36 weeks after 5 years.
• We have on-campus childcare facilities for child 6 weeks to kindy.
• We facilitate flexible working, with part-time and job-sharing arrangements considered.
• We have an ongoing partnership with Pride in Diversity and were recently awarded a Bronze Employer status for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
• We have Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation and actively work to improve gender equity. 

Should you have any queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, contact the Talent team at [email protected] with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number and a member of the team will respond to your enquiry.

Advertised:23 Sep 2022 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close:30 Sep 2022 11:55 PM W. Australia Standard Time