"Research Officer"

About this Opportunity

• Fixed-Term (until 31.01.2028), Full-Time
• Office of the Vice-President – Research
• CQUniversity Gladstone (Relocation support available)
• Total Remuneration $108,058 to $128,750 pa (including salary of $91,311 to $108,796 plus 17% superannuation and leave loading)

Join an organisation with an unbreakable belief that quality education, training and research should be available to everyone – regardless of background, location or life circumstances.

Working at CQUniversity

The Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) is seeking a highly motivated Research Officer to support applied marine research focused on seaweed ecology and ecophysiology. Located within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, CMERC hosts the world’s largest seagrass nursery and leads research in coastal habitat restoration, sustainable marine resources and ecosystem health.

This role will contribute to a pioneering coral aquaculture restoration project in partnership with Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC), focusing on how macroalgae influence coral health and restoration outcomes. You will support experimental design, data collection and analysis of algal–coral interactions, including thermal stress, competition and allelopathic effects on coral transplants.

You will also contribute to an interdisciplinary initiative developing a seaweed-based biorefinery to produce high-value bioproducts, including optimising extraction and purification protocols, characterising biopolymers and metabolites, and evaluating scalability to support circular economy outcomes. This includes ecological surveys, algal processing and close collaboration with CMERC researchers and project partners, using infrastructure such as aquaria systems and mesocosms to deliver high-quality data aligned to project milestones, particularly for seaweed–coral interactions and restoration under climate stress.

Consider a change in scenery and make the move to Regional Queensland

Make the move to Gladstone and embrace coastal living at the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. With pristine beaches, national parks and world-class marine environments nearby, the region offers an enviable lifestyle alongside a welcoming community. Best of all, our generous relocation assistance makes your move smooth, stress-free and almost cost-free.

Be Rewarded

• 17% superannuation (with the choice to join an award-winning superfund)
• 6 weeks annual leave (incl. Christmas and New Year closure)
• 10 days personal/sick leave, plus 5 days carer’s leave
• 7.25 hours engaged service leave
• Fantastic professional and career development opportunities
• Up to 26 weeks (six months) paid parental leave
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program and Fitness Passport

Position Requirements

• Completion of a four-year tertiary qualification in Seaweed Biology/Ecology, Marine Biotechnology or Marine Biology, with relevant work experience; or an honours degree or higher; or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience.
• Demonstrated experience using R or Python for statistical modelling, data analysis and visualisation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including a record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Proven ability to conduct high-quality investigative research, including research design, statistical analysis, data interpretation and preparation of research reports.
• Experience in the extraction and characterisation of seaweed or algal biomolecules, including polysaccharides or biopolymers (desirable).
• Completion of a PhD in Seaweed Biology/Ecology, Marine Biotechnology or Marine Biology (desirable).

Position Description

For further information about this position, please refer to the Position Description.

Apply today for a career that changes lives

Applications Close: 11:59pm, Sunday, 18 January 2026

*A condition of employment for this role is relocation to the Gladstone region (relocation support available). Please confirm your willingness to relocate in your application.

Contact Details:
Manoj Kumar
0469 784 335
manoj.kumar@cqu.edu.au

When submitting your application, please include: Your Current CV or Resume, and a 1-2 page Cover Letter highlighting your relevant skills, experience and suitability for the position. Please note, applicants for the position must have full time work rights.

Work Rights: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold the full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this appointment.

CQUniversity is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and CQUniversity’s domestic and international student graduates with post-study work rights are encouraged to apply.