GBR Coral Bleaching Response Ecologist - Research Assistant Australian Institute of Marine Science – Townsville QLD 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. About this exciting opportunity As our Great Barrier Reef Coral Bleaching Response Ecologist – Research Assistant you will provide high quality technical research assistance to support a range of activities including fieldwork, image analysis through classification and segmentation of benthic photographs, identification of benthos, data management and curation, field deployment and project logistical support. You will be contributing to the teams ongoing fieldwork and data processing to extract data from oceanographic instruments (temperature and PAR), and from coral reef benthic image timeseries during the 2024 bleaching event. This role will see you work to define coral composition and bleaching severity in each image using customised software which may include species or genus identification for hard corals and coarse taxonomic and functional categories of other reef benthic communities. About you You will hold a PhD degree or similar extensive work experience in Marine Biology, Coral Reef Ecology, or a related discipline with knowledge of ecological principles and coral reef taxonomy coupled with experience in research methods development and underwater fieldwork including occupational dive qualifications (ADAS Level 1 2815.1), recent rescue diver certification and refresher, current First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation qualifications (O2 therapy and AED) and QLD Boat licenses (eg. Coxswains or QLD Recreational and VHF radio licenses). Your knowledge of coral reef ecosystems and demonstrated ability to identify hard and soft corals to a high taxonomic level and other benthic reef organisms at functional taxonomic levels (e.g. sponges, algae) will be required. Ideally you will have the ability to work independently and in remote locations for extended periods of time, including strong communication skills to effectively work with a diverse range of people and achieve mutually agreeable outcomes for the team. 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 4 salary ($93,934 to $106,895 per annum) plus 15.4% superannuation Full-time, 12 month Temporary (Labour hire) 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 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 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 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr