Research Associate – Diatom Specialist

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

• Contribute to the ACEAS 2026–2028 program, a nationally coordinated effort integrating ocean, atmosphere, cryosphere, and ecosystem science to understand the Denman region’s influence on the Antarctic system
• Work within a multidisciplinary team investigating how ocean temperature, sea-ice cover, and primary productivity interact in coastal East Antarctica, with focus on the Denman Glacier and Shackleton region
• Full time, Fixed-Term position (2 years) located in Hobart, relocation allowance may be considered for the ideal candidate

About the opportunity

This position is funded by the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science (ACEAS), a national, university-led research centre focused on addressing climate risks from East Antarctica and the Southern Ocean by integrating knowledge of oceanic, atmospheric, cryospheric, and ecosystem processes. The 2026–2028 ACEAS program centres on understanding the Denman region and its broader system impacts, building on past field campaigns and fostering cross-disciplinary and institutional collaboration. Within this context, the role will contribute to a multidisciplinary project examining how ocean temperature, sea-ice cover, and primary productivity interact in coastal East Antarctica, particularly in the Denman Glacier and Shackleton region.

What you’ll do:

• Undertake high-quality research of national and international standing on phytoplankton ecology, carbon export, and palaeo environmental change in the Denman Glacier region.
• Conduct discipline-specific research including laboratory analysis of water column and sediment phytoplankton assemblages, biostratigraphic assessment of sediment cores, and quantitative ecological and statistical modelling to reconstruct past oceanographic and climatic conditions.
• Generate new baseline datasets on decadal variability in carbon burial and primary productivity, particularly in regions where satellite observations are limited, contributing to ACEAS objectives.
• Advance reconstructions of glacial–interglacial environmental change, including sea-ice dynamics, glacial activity, and incursions of offshore deep water.
• Contribute to the successful supervision and mentoring of research higher degree students.

What we’re looking for:

• A PhD in micropalaeontology, palaeoclimatology, marine science, or a closely related discipline.
• A good record of, and continuing commitment to, research that has achieved national recognition and made worthwhile contributions to the field of Southern Ocean palaeoceanography, phytoplankton ecology, and/or Antarctic marine biogeochemistry.
• Demonstrated expertise in the analysis of phytoplankton assemblages from both water column and/or sedimentary records, and the application of quantitative ecological and statistical techniques.
• Experience in sediment core analysis, including biostratigraphy and development or refinement of age models.
• Proven ability to work with complex environmental datasets, including the integration of observational, sedimentological, and ecological data to investigate carbon export, primary productivity, and environmental change in polar regions.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at Academic Level A and will have a total remuneration package of up to $125,877 comprising base salary within the range of $83,198 to $107,587 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience. You do not need to separately address the Roles Specific Skills, Knowledge and Experience. For further information about this position, please contact Taryn Noble, Academic – Oceans Ice and Climate, Taryn. Noble@utas.edu.au or +61 3 6226 7455
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• For current UTAS staff, in submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.

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Applications close Sunday, 5 July 2026, 11.55pm

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.