Research Fellow: People and Ecosystems

The Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies is seeking to fill two Research Fellowships across a range of disciplines. These new positions will be based at James Cook University, Townsville.

The ARC Centre of Excellence is a global leader in coral reef research, headquartered at James Cook University in partnership with the Australian National University, the University of Queensland, the University of Western Australia and with leading research centres around the world. The ARC Centre currently encompasses >250 researchers and graduate students, with ongoing research projects in 30 countries. The vision of the Centre is to provide the scientific knowledge necessary for understanding the world’s coral reefs and their interaction with people in order to foster their sustainable use, secure the benefits they provide to tropical societies and economies, and enhance the effectiveness of coral reef management and governance world-wide. The Centre fosters a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional approach to its research programs drawing on expertise from its collaborating universities and other national and international partners.

The positions

We are seeking applications from candidates with postdoctoral research experience, a strong track record of publication and with broad areas of expertise which would contribute to the following research themes of the Centre:

People and Ecosystems: The key objective of this program is to improve the governance and management of natural systems and to enhance our capacity to sustain both human and natural capital. We are seeking to build an extensive international team that transcends the disciplinary constraints of the biological, oceanographic, geochemical, anthropological, economic and policy sciences. We would be interested in applicants with experience in evaluation of the ecological and social impacts of conservation interventions
Program Leaders: Professor Bob Pressey, Professor Terry Hughes, A/Professor Tiffany Morrison

Responding to a Changing World: This program will focus on advancing fundamental understanding of the key processes underpinning coral reef function and resilience. Topics of interest include coral calcification and the integrity of coral reef frameworks, physiological plasticity, and the capacity of coral reef organisms, including corals and their associated microbes, to adapt to changing conditions.
Program Leaders: A/Professor Mia Hoogenboom, Professor Ryan Lowe, A/Professor Maja Adamska

Experience with marine systems is an advantage, but is less important than a proven capacity to undertake and publish exciting, question-driven research. Successful applicants will be expected to develop their own research projects as well as work in collaboration with existing teams.

Principal Accountabilities

1. Conduct research independently and as part of a team and make original contributions to the research aims of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
2. Publish research in high quality, peer-reviewed journals
3. Plan, prepare and submit research proposals to external funding agencies
4. Where appropriate, supervise research program staff
5. Contribute to the research culture of the Centre
6. Co-supervise graduate students where appropriate.

Selection Criteria

Essential
1. PhD in related discipline.
2. Excellent publication record for stage of career
3. Evidence of outstanding research ability in one or disciplines relevant to the Centre of Excellence.
4. Established national and international links with appropriate research organisations and personnel.
5. Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills.

Employment Type

Appointment will be full time for three years

Salary

Academic B:  $A91,207-$A107,619pa plus 17% superannuation contribution
Academic C:  $A110,898-$A127,314pa plus 17% superannuation contribution
Level of appointment and commencing salary will be dependent on qualifications and experience.

Enquiries

To discuss these positions please contact:

Research Fellow (People and Ecosystems): Professor Bob Pressey Bob.Pressey@jcu.edu.au
Research Fellow (Changing World): A/Professor Mia Hoogenboom Mia.Hoogenboom1@jcu.edu.au

Application Procedure

Apply online through James Cook University. Please submit a Curriculum Vitae, a Statement of Research Interests, PDFs (or accessible links to) three recent publications and addresses of three referees. Please quote vacancy reference numbers:

Research Fellow (People and Ecosystems): vacancy reference 16245
Research Fellow (Changing World): 16246

Applicants invited for interview will be expected to present a seminar in conjunction with the selection process.

Closing Date for applications: Friday 19^th January 2018.