"Research Fellow"

Job Description:

• Work collaboratively across UWA, AIMS, and industry, government and community stakeholders to co-design integrated research questions and deliver scientifically robust, policy-relevant insights.
• Full-time appointment on a 3-year fixed term basis.
• Base salary range: Level B, $118,150– $139,812. p.a. (pro-rata) plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The UWA Oceans Institute (OI) brings together the University of Western Australia’s multidisciplinary research strengths across areas including oceanography, ecology, engineering, resource management and governance to address key ocean challenges. We work with local, state and federal governments, industry and business, research institutions and the community to help generate solutions towards the sustainable use of ocean resources.

The position will be a joint appointment between the Australian Institute of Marine Science (Perth) and the UWA Oceans Institute. Both AIMS and the OI engage in fundamental and applied research to find solutions for the critical issues facing our oceans, coasts and estuaries. AIMS has facilities in Townsville, Perth and Darwin, and research vessels to support work at sea.

AIMS is a leader in marine science with a vision of a thriving ocean through trusted science and innovation. Established in 1972, the Institute's primary mission is to deliver research and knowledge to manage, protect, and steward Australia’s marine ecosystems. The Institute investigates topics from broad-scale ecology to microbiology. AIMS is committed to the protection and sustainable use of Australia’s marine resources.

About the opportunity

• Contribute to a major AIMS–UWA research initiative examining offshore wind–fisheries interactions, using spatial, temporal and systems-based approaches to understand ecological outcomes, coexistence potential and decision-making across nationally significant case-study regions.
• Lead the collation, analysis and interpretation of multidisciplinary ecological, fisheries, governance and technical datasets; develop SETS frameworks, identify meaningful indicators and cause–effect pathways, and publish high-quality, stakeholder-relevant research outputs.
• Work closely with researchers, industry, government, Traditional Owners and communities; support stakeholder workshops, interdisciplinary collaboration, student supervision, and build capacity in offshore wind–fisheries systems research within AIMS and the Oceans Institute.

About you

• A PhD in marine ecology, fisheries science, oceanography, spatial analysis, landscape ecology, social-ecological systems, or a closely related field.
• A demonstrable track record of experience analysing spatial and temporal ecological or fisheries datasets, with strong quantitative and numerical skills.
• Evidence of high-quality research outputs relative to career stage.
• Demonstrated capacity to conduct interdisciplinary research and integrate information from diverse ecological, social, technological and governance sources.

Position description: PD [Research Fellow] [522290].pdf

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Professor Stephen Swearer at stephen.swearer@uwa.edu.au or Dr Andrew Gill at a.gill@aims.gov.au

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button and address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria.

You may submit a statement describing any personal circumstances relevant to your application. This can include academic/professional interruptions or achievements relative to opportunity.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Sunday, 18 January 2026

This position is open to international applicants.