Research Associate

Working under the direction of the Chief Investigator and in collaboration with project and partner investigators, you will play a key role in designing, managing and delivering research activities for the project.

In this position, your duties will include, but not be limited to:

• Leading research investigating the establishment of marine biofouling communities on artificial structures.
• Apply advanced molecular and bioinformatic techniques to assess the diversity, composition, and temporal dynamics of biofouling communities.
• Design, conduct and analyse experiments examining biofouling processes on marine infrastructure.
• Contribute to the development of research methodologies, experimental protocols, and sampling strategies to support project objectives.
• Work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of researchers and project partners, including government agencies and industry stakeholders.
• Interpret and communicate research findings through technical reports, scientific publications, presentations, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Assist with project management activities, including planning, data management, reporting, and achievement of project milestones.

This position is open to candidates with Australian working rights. Relocation support may be available for the successful candidate.

About You

You will be passionate about protecting Australia’s marine environments and advancing the sustainable management of its oceans and waterways. You will be a collaborative, proactive and motivated researcher with a strong interest in marine biofouling, molecular ecology or a related field, committed to delivering high-quality, impactful research.

As well as completion (or near-completion) of a PhD in Marine Biology or Marine Genomics or Marine Microbiology or Bioinformatics, you should demonstrate;

• Research experience in biofouling, marine invasive species, marine microbial ecology, or related fields.
• Knowledge of marine organism identification and taxonomy, particularly in relation to biofouling communities.
• A growing research profile in marine microbial ecology, molecular ecology, metagenomics, or a closely related discipline, evidenced by publications and other research outputs.
• Experience applying molecular and microbiological techniques, including genomic and metagenomic approaches, to address ecological research questions.
• Expertise in bioinformatic analyses and the interpretation of complex biological and ecological datasets.
• Demonstrated skills in quantitative data analysis, including proficiency in R, Python, MATLAB, or equivalent software.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.

About the ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation

We are the leading Australian research and training centre tackling biofilm-related challenges.

The ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, led by Flinders University, is a 5 year, $7.8m research and training program, bringing together 5 universities, 10 industry partners and key industry and regulatory bodies to deliver innovative research and biofilm solutions to tackle important issues for the maritime and water industries.

Biofilms grow on all surfaces and environments, from catheters to drinking water pipes and ships. They are complex organisations of cells that grow on both living and inert surfaces and are both viscous and elastic in nature. They can be made up of a single species or comprise several species of different types of microorganisms, including those that pose a threat to either human health or our environment. Biofilm attachment and development cannot be prevented completely thus they cost billions each year to those attempting to eradicate them.

By working with industries to develop innovative solutions that meet their needs and alleviate their biofilm-related problems, the ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation aims to: transform biofouling management strategies for maritime platforms; train the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists and engineers; and to develop biofilm management strategies across the defence and water industries to address evolving regulatory stringency.

Life at Flinders

They say know your place. We say you've found it right here.

Flinders University was founded on the belief that learning should open minds, celebrate individuality and give people the freedom to pursue their own point of view. That spirit lives on in our community of thinkers, doers and changemakers who challenge convention, and each other, to shape what comes next.

Rising to a challenge is nothing new for Flinders. During our first 60 years, we’ve navigated revolutionary changes in social and cultural norms, and have responded to transformative economic, environmental and technological developments. Through it all, we’ve continued to deliver for our students and community, innovating in learning and research to prepare graduates for the changing world they help create.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them.

So, why work at Flinders?

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• Awarded the AHEIA Higher Education Award for Workplace Culture Excellence due to our commitment to wellbeing through our Thriving@Flinders staff wellbeing program
• Wide range of professional development activities and services, including exclusive staff study offers
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff, as shown through our three SAGE Cygnet Awards.
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

Appointment to this role is conditional on the completion of required pre-employment checks and declarations, each of which must be satisfactory to the University.

These include:

• Flinders University will require a current completed Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Gender Based Violence Declaration which is satisfactory to the University. The contract of Employment is conditional upon the receipt of these completed compliance checks. A disclosable outcome will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role.
• The successful candidate will be required to obtain a baseline Security Clearance.

How to Apply and Information

• You are required to submit a CV, along with a Suitability Statement as a separate document. This should be no more than 3 pages, and address the Key Position Capabilities of the position description.
• For more information regarding this position, please contact the Recruitment team via email at recruitment@flinders.edu.au or phone (08) 8201 2383.

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACDT) on Sunday, 25 October 2026.

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Certification

Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm:

25 Oct 2026

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. Flinders. Fearless.