Research Fellow, Oceanography (Surface Waves)

ARC ITRH for Transforming energy Infrastructure through Digital Engineering (TIDE)

Oceans Graduate School

• An outstanding opportunity for a self-driven researcher to enhance your career, develop strong technical skills
• Expand your network by working as part of a large scale, international, multi-disciplinary research group in order to solve industry focussed problems
• Full time, fixed term appointment for 3 years initially with a possibility for extension
• Salary range: Level B; $102,983 - $121,864 p.a. 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 the team

This position is within the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Transforming energy Infrastructure through Digital Engineering (TIDE ITRH), based at the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre (IOMRC) at UWA.

The TIDE ITRH comprises four interlinked research themes working together to deliver projects using advanced data science and engineering techniques to transform the operation of energy infrastructure. The research is a blend of physical and numerical modelling, supported by fieldwork and the robust analysis of key observations from existing facilities. Our industry partners are helping to shape the research direction, drive technology transfer, and assist with mentoring our researchers and students.

Our industry partners include three of Australia’s largest producers of LNG – Woodside, Shell and INPEX – plus Lloyd’s Register Group, Bureau Veritas, Fugro, RPS, and Wood. Other partners include the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

International collaborators include researchers and scientists from the University of Texas, the University of Oxford, the Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine Singapore (TCOMS), the University of Southampton, HR Wallingford, Lancaster University and the Alan Turing Institute.

About the opportunity

As a Research Fellow in Oceanography you will particiapte in and coordinate reserach relevant to the study of surface wave dynamics, with a focus on developing methods for the improved forecasting of surface waves. This may include novel applications of data assimilation (e.g. from drifting wave buoys) and applying data science or statistical methods to quantify and reduce forecast uncertainty.

To achieve this you will run numerical wave models, collect and analyse oceanographic data sets, interact and collaborate with the entire TIDE team including industry partners, and engage with external partners. In addition, you will publish and present research papers, assist with training students, and help to establish computing systems and code repositories to support data analysis.

The multi-disciplinary nature of the project provides the opportunity for the successful candidate to participate in collaboration across the fields of oceanography, hydrodynamics, geotechnics, marine structures and data science.

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate:

• A PhD in physical oceanography, coastal/ocean engineering, or a related field.
• Expertise in the modelling of ocean surface waves and/or analysis of in situ wave observations
• Strong computational, statistical and numerical analysis skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work independently as well part of a team.
• Willingness to supervise Honours, Masters and PhD students.
• Experience with data assimilation and/or data science techniques including machine learning or statistical modelling is highly desirable.

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description.

Please see the position description prior to applying: PD 508089

You are required to address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria

Closing date: 11:55 pm AWST, Wednesday, 22nd March 2023

This position is open to international applicants.

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

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We celebrate difference and believe diversity is fundamental to achieving our goals as a globally recognised Top 100 educational and research institution. We are committed to creating a safe work environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community and people living with disability.

• We have a globally competitive, gender neutral parental leave policy with 26 weeks paid leave after 12 months service and 36 weeks after 5 years.
• We have on-campus childcare facilities for child 6 weeks to kindy. 
• We facilitate flexible working, with part-time and job-sharing arrangements considered.
• We have an ongoing partnership with Pride in Diversity and were recently awarded a Bronze Employer status for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
• We have Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation and actively work to improve gender equity.

Should you have any queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, contact the Talent team at talent-hr@uwa.edu.au with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number and a member of the team will respond to your enquiry.