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Research Scientist - Coral Reef Ecology
Townsville, QLD, Australia
AUD 126,440-138,614 / year
Posted on Aug 13, 2026
About this exciting opportunity
As AIMS’ Research Scientist – Coral Reef Ecology you will play a key role in advancing coral reef monitoring, ecological research, and regional partnerships across Australia, the Pacific, and Southeast Asia. Working at the interface of ecology, technology and applied reef management, you will help deliver major initiatives, including ReefCloud and Marine Resources Initiative (MRI2), generating high-quality science and strengthening the capacity of partners to monitor and understand coral reef change.
You will provide scientific, project and people leadership across a diverse portfolio of activities, including supporting the design and coordination of regional monitoring activities, analysing and interpreting ecological data, supervising staff, contributing to research outputs, and ensuring delivery against partner and funding commitments.
Working closely with multidisciplinary AIMS teams and regional partners, the Research Scientist plays a central role in building monitoring capability through training, mentoring, and technical support. You will support the adoption and application of ReefCloud and other emerging monitoring approaches, strengthen data management and evidence-based monitoring practices, and develop productive relationships with government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, Indigenous and local monitoring groups, and international reef monitoring networks. The role provides opportunities to contribute to high-impact research, shape the future of technology-enabled coral reef monitoring, and represent AIMS through national and international collaborations, workshops and scientific forums.
About you
You will be an accomplished and motivated coral reef scientist with a PhD, or equivalent experience, in coral reef ecology, marine ecology, environmental science, or a closely related discipline. You will bring a strong record of research and applied science, demonstrated through scientific publications, technical reports, and or other outputs that contribute to understanding and managing coral reef ecosystems. You will have extensive expertise in coral reef monitoring, including marine field survey techniques, reef condition assessment, and the collection, analysis, and interpretation of ecological data. Strong quantitative skills are important, including proficiency in statistical analysis using software such as R, working with complex ecological datasets, and translating scientific findings into clear and useful information for different audiences.
You will also be a collaborative and capable leader who can coordinate complex activities, supervise and mentor staff, and work effectively across disciplines, organisations and cultures. You will be confident building relationships with research partners, government agencies, NGOs, Indigenous and local communities, and international partners. An effective communicator, you will be able to share scientific information clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences through publications, reports, presentations, workshops and training. You will hold relevant marine fieldwork qualifications or experience and demonstrate a commitment to collaborative science, innovation in coral reef monitoring, and delivering high-quality research that supports AIMS' Strategy 2040 and its mission to support the sustainable management of marine ecosystems.
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 salary ($126,440 to $138,614 per annum) plus 15.4% superannuation
- Full-time, Temporary (Labour Hire) up to 30 Jan 2028, Parental Leave Replacement Officer 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)
- Employee Assistance Program
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 below. If, after reviewing the position description, which is 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 would be very interested in hearing from you.
Further information on the application process and tips for addressing Selection Criteria is available in our website Recruitment process | AIMS.
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 the "apply now" button below.
Position enquiries can be directed to Emma Kennedy, Coral Reef Ecologist - Reef Process Dynamics Team at E.Kennedy@aims.gov.au. Applications must be made through our website per above.
Applications close: SUNDAY, 06 SEPTEMBER 2026 (11.45PM, AEST).
Attachments:
- 22093 Candidate Information Pack.pdf