• We are seeking an outstanding and dynamic marine research leader for the rare opportunity to drive the next phase of the strategic development of the UWA Oceans Institute

The University of Western Australia is committed to being a diverse educational environment as well being a diverse working community. As a community, we endeavour to be a mixture of cultural backgrounds, life experiences, individual perspectives, and numerous other characteristics that add variety and vitality to the University.

The UWA Oceans Institute is a multidisciplinary marine research grouping that engages in fundamental and applied research across the University and with our external partners and many collaborators. The Oceans Institute brings together UWA's multidisciplinary research strengths in areas such as marine science, oceanography, ecology, biodiversity, coastal science, engineering, resource management and governance to deliver Ocean Solutions Research that addresses key ocean challenges.

The Oceans Institute enables industry, government and community engagement and partnerships, to enhance research and research training at UWA on oceans, islands and coasts.

The Oceans Institute's location on the Indian Ocean rim increases the capacity for research and impact with the aim of enhancing knowledge about coasts, islands, and oceans, and to provide depth of understanding required to develop solutions for the better care and management of marine ecosystems. The work of the Oceans Institute is designed to benefit the marine environment and to provide a sustainable, productive, and profitable maritime future shared by all people.

About the opportunity

As the Jock Clough Marine Foundation Oceans Chair and Director (UWA Oceans Institute) you will be responsible for providing direction and co-ordination of the Oceans Institute’s research strategy, working with key partners internally and externally to grow capability and build support for world-class research in questions relating to the world’s oceans, islands and coasts. You will drive the next phase of the Oceans Institute and determine its strategic development for the future.

Building on the research programs already developed within the Oceans Institute, and new opportunities, the Director will foster high-impact multi-disciplinary research of strategic importance to the community, government, industry, and academia, drawing upon the research infrastructure of the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre (IOMRC) and input from staff associated with the Oceans Institute from all stakeholder Schools of the University.

In collaboration with the relevant Heads of Schools, such as of the Oceans Graduate School and the School of Biological Sciences as examples, the Director will identify areas where our strengths in oceans related research can deliver an exceptional postgraduate research student training experience and enhance student experience in our coursework degrees and student projects.

The Director will be expected to work in accordance with the University’s policies, procedures and values, to promote academic excellence through integrity, inclusiveness, professionalism and to develop an Oceans Institute community.

The Oceans Institute Director reports to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

Closing Date: Friday, 12 November 2021

Application Details: Applications must be submitted online. 

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity 

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce. We celebrate inclusion and diversity and believe gender equity is fundamental to achieving our goal of being a top 50 university by 2050.

• We have child friendly areas on campus, including childcare facilities. Flexible work arrangements, part-time hours and job sharing will all be considered. 
• UWA has been awarded Bronze Employer Status for being a Top Ten Employer for LGBTI Inclusion by the Australian Workplace Equity Index (AWEI -2021). 
• UWA has also been awarded Athena Swan Bronze Accreditation in 2020.