Research Scientist: Coral Quantitative Genetics

About AIMS

The Australian Institute of Marine Science is Australia’s tropical marine research agency.

We are a trusted advisor, a partner and employer of choice, and we value integrity, innovation, collaboration and respect. AIMS’ research of Australia’s tropical marine ecosystems guides their effective environmental management and contributes to our understanding of similar ecosystems around the world.

Our research seeks to deliver practical benefit to all Australians and supports the sustainable use of our tropical marine estate. Governments, reef managers, industry and the wider community look to our high-quality, long-term research for informed decisions about our iconic Great Barrier Reef, North-West Shelf, and Arafura and Timor Seas. AIMS expert teams at our locations in Townsville, Darwin and Perth have access to world-class infrastructure, unique datasets, cutting-edge laboratories, and a fleet of modern research vessels.

About this exciting opportunity

The Research Scientist - Coral Quantitative Genetics plays a key leadership role in advancing understanding of adaptation, resilience, and phenotypic diversity in corals and other tropical marine organisms. Working at the forefront of quantitative genetics, genomics, and experimental biology, you will lead innovative research programs that deliver high impact scientific outcomes and inform restoration and aquaculture strategies in the face of rapid environmental change.

The role involves designing and implementing breeding experiments, developing high-throughput phenotyping and genomic analysis approaches, leading scuba-based field research, and providing expert advice and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. You will also manage permitting and compliance requirements, including Indigenous engagement and Free, Prior and Informed Consent processes, while contributing to the communication of research outcomes for Traditional Owners, stakeholders, community audiences, and the broader public. As a senior scientific leader, you will build national and international collaborations, supervise researchers and students, secure competitive funding, and manage project budgets and deliverables to ensure the successful delivery of impactful, world-class marine science.

About you

You are an accomplished researcher with a PhD in a relevant discipline and a strong track record of applying quantitative genetics to conservation challenges. You bring experience designing and delivering breeding experiments with corals or other externally spawning marine species, along with expertise in phenotype-genotype analyses, bioinformatics, and using high performance computing. A collaborative leader, you have excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, a proven ability to deliver outcomes in complex research environments, and experience supervising researchers and students. Experience in scuba based fieldwork, coral identification, and securing competitive research funding will be highly regarded, as will a current C Class Driver's Licence or willingness to obtain one.

Apply now and join a world leading organisation with attractive working conditions. In line with our Enterprise Agreement, the successful candidate will be rewarded with:

• AIMS AOF Level 4 (4.2-4.5) salary ($104,291 to $114,730 per annum) plus 15.4% superannuation
• Full-time, 2-year Fixed Term opportunity
• Located in Townsville (Qld)
• 9-day fortnight, enjoy a long weekend each fortnight
• Flexible Work Arrangements considered including hybrid working (where suitable)
• Generous and supportive leave entitlements
• Access to Commuter car fleet arrangements to travel to site (in Townsville only)
• Salary Sacrifice opportunities
• Access to Fitness Passport program, offering discounted membership to selected gyms
• Employee Assistance Program

Discover more about Working at AIMS | AIMS.

Please note:

Non-Australian Citizens must hold an appropriate Visa with working entitlements that allows paid employment with AIMS from commencement and for the term of the appointment, depending on the relevant Department of Home Affairs current policies. AIMS may be able to consider sponsorship for international applicants for this role, however, please note that visa processing times can impact the ability for AIMS to consider sponsorship for vacancies. AIMS must meet the requirements of the Department of Home Affairs immigration policies and processes, including the necessity to test the local labour market for suitable applicants. This includes international talent pool members who are Australian visa holders who have relevant working rights.

Next Step

Further information about this exciting and challenging opportunity is outlined in the Candidate Information Pack which is available to download from our website www.aims.gov.au. If, after reviewing the position description and selection criteria included in the Candidate Information Pack, you believe that your qualifications, experience and professional capabilities will enable you to successfully the deliver the position responsibilities, we encourage you to make an application via our website.

Submitting your Application: Please ensure that you have your completed documents (selection criteria responses, resume and cover letter) ready to attach to your online application form via our e-recruitment system which can be accessed via our website www.aims.gov.au.

Position enquiries are to be directed to to Cynthia Riginos, Research Team Leader - Coral Reef Adaptation Team at [email protected]. Applications must be made through our website per above.

Applications close: MONDAY, 23 NOVEMBER 2026 (11.45PM, AEST).

AIMS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia's first scientists. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past, present and future, and the custodians of the land and sea Country on which we work.