About AIMS

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 our tropical marine estate. Governments, reef managers, industry and the wider community look to our high-quality, long-term research for informed decisions about our iconic Great Barrier Reef, North-West Shelf, and Arafura and Timor Seas.

AIMS expert teams at our locations in Townsville, Darwin and Perth have access to world-class infrastructure, unique data-sets, cutting-edge laboratories and a fleet of modern research vessels.

About this Opportunity
The Reef Restoration, and Adaptation Program (RRAP) is the largest, most comprehensive program of its type in the world; a collaboration of leading experts in reef ecology, water and land management, engineering, innovation and social sciences. The program draws on the full breadth of Australian expertise and that from around the world and aims to strike a balance between minimising risk and maximising opportunity to save Reef species and values from the impacts of climate change.

After completing the world's most rigorous and comprehensive investigation into medium and large-scale reef intervention in 2019, RRAP is now is embarking on a long-term R&D program to develop, test and risk-assess novel interventions to help keep the Reef resilient and sustain critical functions and values.

An opportunity exists to join AIMS in the position of Experimental Scientist – Molecular Ecology to support genetic based work across marine environments as part of RRAP R&D. In this role you will apply your molecular ecology and genetic laboratory skills to conduct and optimise methods for nucleic acid extractions, next generation sequencing, and digital PCR on a range of marine environmental and organismal samples. You will undertake molecular data analysis, maintain databases, and contribute to the development of genetic tools for selective breeding analyses. You will also assist with experimental set-up and execution and may perform field associated duties as opportunities arise.

Apply now and join a world leading organisation with attractive working conditions. The successful candidate will be rewarded with:

• AIMS AOF Level 4 Salary ($84,285 to $95,915 pro-rata per annum)
• 15.4% superannuation
• Generous leave provisions
• Part-time (0.4 FTE)
• 2-year opportunity
• Located in Townsville, Queensland

About You
You will have earned your tertiary qualification in molecular ecology, or hold equivalent experience and will be able to demonstrate your:

• Skills in genetic laboratory practices and techniques including standard and quantitative PCR and DNA extraction, ideally on marine samples;
• Skills and experience in undertaking molecular data analyses/bioinformatics; and
• Experience developing and maintaining databases for further analyses.

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 www.aims.gov.au. If, after reviewing the position description 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.

On the above website you will also find our Recruitment Application Guide which details the necessity to submit your statements addressing your suitability against the selection criteria that are detailed in the Candidate Information Pack.

Shortlisted applicants may be asked to complete a personal outlook analysis questionnaire using the Birkman Method.

Position enquiries can be directed to Dr Kate Quigley on k.quigley@aims.gov.au.

Applications close: Monday, 12 October 2020 (12pm – Midnight AEST)

The Australian Institute of Marine Science acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land and sea on which we work.

We recognise the unique relationships and enduring cultural and spiritual connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to land and sea, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.