UWA Oceans Institute

• Unique opportunity to play a lead role in a new national research program on wave observations
• Live along Australia’s iconic southern coast based at UWA’s Albany campus
• Level 6, full-time appointment on a two year fixed term basis
• Salary range: $80,902 to $85,500 plus 17% superannuation

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked amongst the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research-intensive universities. With an enviable research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to ‘innovate and inspire’ there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top University.

About UWA Oceans Institute

The UWA Oceans Institute brings together the collective strength of the University’s best and brightest researchers into a multidisciplinary, integrated research organisation across oceanography, ecology, engineering, resource management, social sciences and governance. The goal is to capitalise on UWA’s existing research strengths and utilise them to deliver Ocean Solutions for Humanity’s Grand Challenges.

About the team

The Great Southern Marine Research Facility (GSMRF) is a newly established marine research facility located at the University of Western Australia’s (UWA) Albany regional campus in southern Western Australia. GSMRF houses UWA’s Wave Energy Research Centre (WERC), as well as a range of marine and coastal research activities focused on Australia’s south coast. The scope of research conducted with the GSMRF has recently expanded with funding provided by the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), which is a national research infrastructure funding scheme aimed at increasing the observation and knowledge of Australia’s marine environment. The specific funding provided by IMOS, through their New Technology Proving program, is directed at comprehensively evaluating a range of low-cost wave buoy technologies, benchmarked against higher cost existing technologies, as well as develop mooring and data analysis guidelines and best practices.

About the opportunity

As the Technical Research Officer, you will coordinate the field operations and contribute to the research within the new technology proving project on wave measurements within the Integrated Marine Observing System. You will primarily oversee the day-to-day operations of the IMOS wave buoy testing programme, but also contribute to the field research activities of WERC focusing on the oceanography and coastal processes in the Albany region. The appointee will also liaise with and take direction and advice from the Diving, Boating and Safety officer within UWA and the Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences Technical and Safety Team.

To be considered for this opportunity, you will demonstrate:

• A BSc degree in science or engineering with relevant experience
• Demonstrated experience in the use of scientific instrumentation, including the preparation, deployment/retrieval, downloading and post-processing of data (or a willingness to acquire them)
• Demonstrated ability to be ‘hands-on’ as required to diagnose, repair, or fabricate equipment
• Experience conducting and coordinating marine field-based activities or industry projects
• Relevant experience and the qualifications (or a willingness to acquire them) necessary to skipper small research vessels (e.g., Coxswains Grade 1). Diving qualifications (or a willingness to acquire them) is also desirable but not essential
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with data analysis using software such as Matlab or Python
• Relevant knowledge of basic aspects of IT and computing. Electronics experience is desirable
• Highly developed organisational skills, along with demonstrated ability to set priorities and to meet deadlines
• Ability to work autonomously and interact with research collaborators and end users

Note: Occasional interstate travel may be required.

Enquiries

For further information regarding this opportunity please contact Professor Ryan Lowe on +61 8 6488 2706 or ryan.lowe@uwa.edu.au. 

Closing date: Wednesday, 8 January 2020

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

Full details of the position’s responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the Position Description and applicants should clearly demonstrate they meet the selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

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 Platinum Employer Status for being a Top Ten Employer for LGBTI Inclusion by the Australian Workplace Equity Index (AWEI -2019).