VACANCIES

We are seeking to appoint a full-time Research Associate – Carbon Biogeochemist in the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) at the University of Tasmania, as part of the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP).

The Opportunity

The Research Associate – Carbon Biogeochemist will be a member of Theme 2: The Nature and Impacts of Southern Ocean Change – and will provide a key role in using observations to quantify regional variations in Southern Ocean carbon uptake and ocean acidification. The position will also contribute to Theme 3 (The Future of Antarctic Sea Ice, Krill and Ecosystems). Making an effective and sustained contribution to the AAPP strategic objectives and at a wider level to the University and IMAS through research focused on the biogeochemical cycling of carbon in the Southern Ocean.

What you'll do

The role will undertake high quality research in:

• evaluating changes (seasonal, interannual and decadal) in biogeochemical cycles using a suite of existing observations (e.g., underway shipboard observations, hydrographic sections, moorings, profiling floats, USVs) and model outputs and or model simulations;
• identifying the underlying drivers of such change and / or what measurables could act as early indicators of tipping points;
• assessing the drivers of interannual to decadal variability in Southern Ocean CO2 uptake, including identification of regional pathways and assessment of the importance of mesoscale processes;
• evaluating changes and occurrence of extreme events in the Southern Ocean (e.g., temperature, pH, primary production) using observations and/or output of model simulations (OFAM3) for use in identification of “hotspots” and “refugia” of ecosystem stress.

Equally, the role will participate in field programs, including repeat hydrographic surveys and process studies in the Southern Ocean, and annual voyages to the Southern Ocean Time Series (SOTS) site in the subantarctic region.

What we're looking for

• A PhD or equivalent in a relevant field of science or engineering; e.g., oceanography, geochemistry, marine or environmental science, biogeochemistry.
• A good record of, and continuing commitment to, research that has achieved national recognition and made worthwhile contributions to the field of biogeochemistry, demonstrated by a record of quality publications, presentations at conferences and preferably success in securing external competitive and other funding.
• A collaborative team player with experience working with large datasets and/or the output of model simulations.
• Experience in performing sample collection, sampling processing and chemical analyses in remote environments (e.g. from oceanographic vessels and/or in polar regions).
• Record of contributing to building and maintaining effective and productive links nationally and internationally within the discipline.
• Productive and innovative researcher capable of initiating and driving independent research ideas as well as collaboratively supporting the work of others.