"Postdoctoral Fellow in Coral Reef Restoration"

• Reference number: 25721
• Term: Fixed-term, full-time basis for 2.5 years
• Remuneration: AUD $96,342 to AUD $130,727 pa (LEVA) (inclusive of AUD $81,410 to AUD $110,466 salary pa, 17% superannuation and 17.5% recreation leave loading)
• Location: Gardens Point
• Open to:applicatnts outside the greater Brisbane area. QUT may meet some travel and relocation expenses involved in the interview and employment commencing process.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in Coral Reef Restoration to join School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science.

The Postdoctoral Fellow in Coral Reef Restoration will join an international and collaborative team of scientists and coral reef restoration practitioners contributing to the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Program (CORDAP) Project on enhancing substrate availability to accelerate reef recovery using novel underwater bioadhesives. The project addresses the challenge to reef recovery which is hindered by poor substrate quality or limited substrate availability. Our novel solution to this ever-accelerating problem is Underwater Bioadhesives that can be integrated into modern reef restoration strategies. Here we will use bioadhesive materials to strengthen substrates for coral settlement, stabilize reef slopes by binding loose rubble, and attach coral fragments as an alternative to concrete and chemical glues.

We’re offering this role as a hybrid position as part of QUT’s commitment to embracing the opportunities created by a more virtual and connected world.

About us

QUT is a major Australian university with a global outlook and a 'real world' focus. We are an ambitious and collaborative institution that seeks to equip our students and graduates with the skills they will need in an increasingly disrupted and challenged world.

The School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences specialises in understanding fundamental chemical and physical processes that operate across Earth’s physical spheres. As researchers and educators, it’s staff are motivated by the need to solve current global challenges such as the state of the atmosphere, greenhouse gas emissions, energy and resource sustainability, and future planetary habitability. Core research focuses on the lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere. We investigate how these physical spheres have evolved over Earth’s history and observe through geospatial science in order to understand interactions between each sphere and all life. We are a diverse team of experts who deliver world-class education and achieve breakthroughs in research with particular focus on: • Earth observation • natural resources • atmospheric composition and change • air quality and pollution • natural hazards • environmental science challenges (including reef restoration and energy). • future planetary habitability

What you need to succeed

1. Completion of a doctoral qualification in marine science, marine biology, reef ecology or related fields.
2. Demonstrated fieldwork experience/skills on coral reefs (e.g., diving, deploying instruments, underwater data and sample/image collection; operating research vessels, data management).
3. Demonstrated experience in undertaking ecological assessments of coral reef benthic communities.
4. Demonstrated ability to use underwater imaging and image processing or experience in photogrammetry.
5. Demonstrated proficiency in basic analytical (e.g., Image J) and statistical software (e.g., R or Matlab) and statistical analysis.
6. Solution-focused, and proven ability to contribute to a high performance and collaborative culture.
7. Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and publish research outcomes in a timely manner.

Desirable:

• Experience with laboratory aquarium systems and maintenance.
• Supervisory experience of postgraduate or undergraduate students and projects.
• Experience in applying for, and a successful track record in being awarded, grant funding.