Advertised in:	The Australian (HES) Wednesday, 16 January 2013

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE  (REF: 4255)
UWA OCEANS INSTITUTE

Want to join an enthusiastic, productive multidisciplinary research group?

•	3 year appointment
•	Salary:  Level A  $81,194 p.a.
•	Plus 17% superannuation
•	Closing date:  Friday, 15 February 2013

The University of Western Australia (UWA), the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and CSIRO are engaged in a research collaboration which will promote high-calibre research of mutual interest through the appointment of Research Collaboration Agreement (RCA) postdoctoral positions.  The RCA partners are seeking applications from top-level marine science postdoctoral candidates. Interested applicants should read the following advice carefully: the application should include a short two page Curriculum Vitae and; a two page (maximum) statement of research interest addressing one (or several) of six major marine research areas: (a) oceanography; (b) interactions and connectivity of shallow water systems; (c) conservation strategies for marine species; (d) climate change; (e) littoral-zone physical and ecological dynamics; (f) blue carbon. 

Additional information on the thematic areas can be found at www.aims.gov.au/RCAPostdocs.  Please also note that applicants who are short-listed for an interview will be directed to contact prospective supervisors to develop a full research proposal to be presented prior to the interview. 

For further information regarding the position please contact Ms Lauren White on (08) 6488 8116 or email lauren.white@uwa.edu.au. Some assistance with relocation expenses (if applicable) may be negotiated.

Application Details: For copies of the position description please access the website http://jobs.uwa.edu.au/.  Written applications quoting the reference number, personal contact details, qualifications and experience, along with contact details of three referees should be sent to Director, Human Resources, The University of Western Australia, M350, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009 or emailed to jobs@uwa.edu.au by the closing date.

UWA is smoke free

THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION IDENTIFICATION
Faculty:	Vice Chancellory	
School/Admin Dept: 		Oceans Institute
Centre:		
Section: 		
Position Number:		311881
Position Title:		Research Associate
Position Classification:		Level A
Supervisor Title:		Winthrop Professor Carlos Duarte
Supervisor Position Number:	307981

ROLE STATEMENT
The position will be responsible for one of 5 major research themes in oceanography or marine biology. The 5 major thematic areas of interest are: 

1. Oceanography of West Australia
This research will examine the physical, chemical and biological dynamics of major boundary currents and other oceanographic processes in Western Australia, their influence on adjacent ecosystems, and teleconnections between geographically separated physical processes and marine biodiversity.
2. .Biophysical and ecological interactions and connectivity of shallow water systems in West Australia
Sustainable use of marine resources in northern Australia requires an understanding of the biophysical dynamics, biogeochemistry and ecology of coastal and shelf habitats that are characterised by very large (>8 m) tidal ranges, and complex topography and highly variable water quality.
3.  Developing effective conservation strategies for vulnerable, threatened, endangered and protected marine species
There is increasing concern over the status and trends in the global populations of a range of vulnerable and endangered species which frequent the west coasts of Australia. Projects in this theme will develop a comprehensive understanding of the vital rates, movements and habitat utilisation that will enhance effective conservation strategies.
4. Climate change in marine environments
This project will seek innovative methods to understand, document and predict the effects of climate change on the marine environments of Western Australia with a view to informing adaptation strategies.
5.  Littoral-zone physical and ecological dynamics
Litoral-zone dynamics are a complex interaction of waves, currents and morphology. A combination of new measurement technology, better process-understanding and bigger computers is improving both description and predictability of these dynamics. Applications include the short-term response of beaches to storms, their long-term response to climate-change, and ecosystem dynamics such as the role of wrack.
6.  Blue Carbon and the role of vegetated coastal habitats as CO2 sinks.
Projects furthering our understanding of the capacity of vegetated coastal habitats to sequester CO2, improve the management and conservation of these sinks and the associated carbons stocks, examine their response to climate change and other global changes and address their economic significance are encouraged.

The researcher will be responsible for basic and applied research, including sampling design, field work, effective team collaboration and liaising between AIMS, CSIRO and UWA research partners and supervision of technical staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Create  a collaborative research link between the UWA Oceans Institute, CSIRO and AIMS (WA unit)
Develop a research project
Establish collaborative research programs that utilize the spatial extent and coverage of the existing AIMS and UWA research programs.
Value-add on existing research programs through meta-analysis of existing datasets owned by UWA, CSIRO and AIMS 
Responsible for publishing research outcomes
Fulfilling milestones of collaborative projects
Responsible for communicating results across the three institutions
Closely collaborate with UWA, CSIRO and AIMS marine researchers in the design and implementation of research
Supervise UWA, CSIRO and AIMS field assistants, and UWA PhD and undergraduate research students
Other duties as directed

THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION IDENTIFICATION
Faculty:	Vice Chancellory	
School/Admin Dept: 		Oceans Institute
Centre:		
Section: 		
Position Number:		311881
Position Title:		Research Associate
Position Classification:		Level A
Supervisor Title:		Winthrop Professor Carlos Duarte
Supervisor Position Number:	307981

SPECIFIC WORK CAPABILITIES (SELECTION CRITERIA): (Minimum requirements to perform the duties of the position e.g. Certificate of Secondary Education).

PhD in Oceanography, Marine Biology or related field
Demonstrated independent research skills, as evidenced by relevant publications and/or scientific reports
High level of proficiency in the analysis of large integrated databases
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the application of theory, statistics, and sampling methodologie
Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
Proven ability to work within a collaborative team
Understanding of research principles and applications
Demonstrable understanding of dive and boating safety requirements
Drivers licence
A willingness to go beyond minimal requirements, a strong work ethic and a cooperative ‘can-do’ attitude will be well regarded

			
Positions directly supervised: 0	Number of positions for which responsible: 0