Opportunity

Ocean Career: Research Officer—Oceanography

The Coastal and Regional Oceanography group is a dynamic team of researchers, including academics, postdocs, data scientists, technical staff, and PhD students conducting research focused on the dynamics of the East Australian Current System and the continental shelf circulation along the coast of SE Australia.

The team are based in the School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences with close collaborations with the School of Maths and Statistics. UNSW has notable strengths in Oceanography, Marine Science, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Data Science, and Statistical Analysis and Methods and is regularly ranked top 25 universities in the world for Oceanography (ARWU).

The primary research goal of the Coastal and Regional Oceanography group is to make a significant contribution to understanding and predicting the East Australian Current, a major western boundary current, and its impact on shelf processes. The group uses modern in-situ observations (e.g high frequency coastal radar, moorings, autonomous ocean gliders), satellite remote sensing in combination with advanced numerical modelling to explain fundamental ocean dynamics, and to gain an integrated, quantitative understanding of their impacts on coastal ocean bio-geo-chemical processes. The group play a leading role in Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (www.imos.org.au), responsible for the ongoing operation of the ocean-observing program along south eastern Australia.

The Research Officer plays a key role in supporting research projects as part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers in the area of physical oceanography. The role will provide technical and research assistance to senior research staff and the oceanography team associated with ocean going field projects, including the contribution and application of knowledge in the field of oceanography.

About the Role

  • $91K - $97K plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
  • Fixed Term—12 months
  • Full-time (35 hours per week)

Specific Responsibilities for This Role Include:

  • Provision of practical and efficient research support to stakeholders, assisting in the conduct of research that contributes to a better understanding of ocean circulation along the coast of SE Australia contributing where appropriate.
  • Assist in the ongoing operation of the NSW-IMOS oceanography program including logistics, preparation and participation in field activities (both IMOS and other).
  • Setup and download of oceanographic instruments (including: ADCP, Seabird CTDs, Aquatech PTs etc.)
  • Deploy oceanographic instruments at sea including moorings, gliders and undertake hydrographic sampling from small boats.
  • Maintenance and management of instrumentation including calibration registries.
  • Liaise with manufacturers and suppliers regarding maintenance and calibration of instrumentation.
  • Contribute to the production of technical reports, manuscripts for publication presentations and tenders or grants for external funding.
  • Perform project administrative tasks as required, e.g contribute to the development of project planning documents, and regular reporting.
  • Manage the technical aspects of databases, including coordinating and executing data cleaning (QA/QC), data processing, data management processes and ensuring research integrity in research databases.
  • Provide quantitative data analysis, and research as required to support various research, consultancy and development projects and grant applications.
  • Monitor research protocols, provide problem solving and resolution to any evolving problems related to design, implementation and analysis.
  • Liaise with organizations, data custodians, stakeholders and collaborators and actively participate in meetings and discussions as required.
  • Coordinate, plan and complete day-to-day research activities within the framework of agreed project timelines and responsibilities.
  • Align with and actively demonstrate the UNSW Values in Action: Our Behaviors and the UNSW Code of Conduct.
  • Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

To Be Successful in This Role You will Have:

  • Master’s degree or equivalent level of knowledge in Physical Oceanography or related discipline (e.g., environmental science, coastal or ocean engineering) gained through a combination of education, training or experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in deployment of a range of oceanographic instruments (e.g. Teledyne RDI acoustic Doppler current profilers, Seabird CTDs, Aquatech PTs, ocean gliders etc.)
  • Demonstrated experience in processing, quality control, analysis of oceanographic data
  • Excellent understanding of metadata requirements and their importance.
  • Physically fit with the ability to work at sea under a wide range of conditions, including manual handling of heavy equipment and delicate instrumentation on board vessels at sea. Recorded experience (e.g logged sea time, Coxswain’s certificate, dogman tickets etc ) desirable.
  • Must be prepared to travel on a regular basis and work outside of normal business hours.
  • Computing skills using desktop software and applications such as Matlab and /or python, familiarity with NetCDF and Microsoft products including xl
  • Current drivers’ license, First Aid certificate or ability to obtain one.
  • Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to liaise effectively with a range of stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
  • An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
  • Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.

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