Ecological Modeller Research Scientist

• Initiate, lead and conduct innovative research to implement and improve ecological modelling approaches which produce conceptual and quantitative representations of coastal marine ecosystems.
• Improve understanding of processes affecting the structure and dynamics of coastal benthic communities and enable the prediction of their likely response to anthropogenic impacts such as climate change, fishing, habitat loss, elevated nutrients and sediment loads from coastal development.
• Facilitate strong linkages between the existing ecological and biogeochemical research capabilities in the research group by exploring the interactions between bottom up processes (primary production, biogeochemistry), and top down processes (herbivory, predation) in structuring benthic communities and predicting their response to anthropogenic changes and management intervention.
• Become familiar with the CSIRO suite of ecological and coastal models and contribute to their development in order to meet research objectives.
• Work closely with clients to enable the application of the products of research to management of the marine environment. Work with other senior staff to identify and create funding opportunities in ecological and biophysical modelling, and natural-resources-management modelling.
• Meet project output requirements such as reporting milestones for internal and external clients and, where required as a Project Leader, manage project resources including financial, capital and human resources.
• Contribute significantly to the processes of scientific and strategic planning undertaken by the relevant Divisional and Flagship Stream(s) Theme(s) and Research Group(s).
• Where required, supervise staff, taking into account the management of performance and career.
• Through complying with CSIRO’s policies and procedures, help encourage and ensure the safe operation of all project activities.
• Undertake other scientific activities as directed by CSIRO senior management.

Applicants must address the selection criteria.  Applicants that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.  To assist you prepare your application please read the information available at "Guidelines for Applicants"

Essential

1. PhD or equivalent research experience in quantitative ecology or ecological modelling.
2. Significant research experience in formulating, implementing and applying ecological models to aquatic ecosystems to understand, predict and manage ecosystem response to anthropogenic and natural pressures.
3. Understanding of the importance of physical and biogeochemical processes in marine environments, in particular their influence on benthic ecological processes, and the way this can be incorporated into models.
4. Familiarity and experience with a range of modelling approaches, such as deterministic and stochastic and process-based and system-level.
5. Experience with techniques for statistical inference and parameter estimation in dynamical models.
6. Ability to collaborate across disciplines with scientific colleagues in order to assemble the information required for constructing ecosystem models.
7. Demonstrated ability to initiate, develop and lead scientific research projects that are large, complex or have a strong multidisciplinary character.
8. Demonstrated ability to work closely and collaboratively with field ecologists and other modellers as part of a multidisciplinary team in order to ensure field data collection, modelling and evaluation are well integrated.
9. Demonstrated ability to advocate the societal or economic benefit of scientific research to encourage uptake of research results and to create or influence business development opportunities.
10. A significant record of research excellence (indicated by the outcomes of completed work and scientific publications) as well as a demonstrated commitment to fulfilling funding-agency milestone and reporting requirements.

Desirable

1. Experience in ecosystem-based management, adaptive management and/or management strategy evaluation.
2. Knowledge of Australia’s marine and estuarine ecosystems.
3. Experience with techniques for statistical inference and parameter estimation in dynamical models.
4. Experience with hydrodynamic and biogeochemical modelling.

"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply".

Before you apply ensure that your documents are in Text, MS Word or PDF. Ensure your file is not larger than 1MB in PDF format, or 2MB for all other formats.

You are required to include two documents:(1) A document Addressing the "Selection Criteria" and

(2) A "Resume or CV" including the names of at least two referees.

Note:  Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.

If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 301 509 and someone will be able to assist you. Outside business hours please email: csiro-careers@csiro.au

If you are unable to lodge your application online, please fax your application (quoting reference number 2008/515) to +61 2 6246 4455 or alternatively post to:

CSIRO Careers Online

PO Box 225

DICKSON ACT 2602

Contact:  Should you require more information on this position please contact John Keesing on 08 9333 6500 or email john.keesing@csiro.au and if you should have any administration queries, please contact Liz Moore on 07 3214 2335 or email liz.moore@csiro.au

Please do not email your application directly to John or Liz. Applications received via this method will not be considered. Please use the 'Apply Now' link below.

CSIRO

CSIRO's purpose is to deliver great science and innovative solutions for industry, society and the environment by igniting the creative spirit of our people. 

People are at the centre of everything we do. We work to create the right environment to amplify our talent. We take a ‘Team Australia’ approach.  It is not enough just to have a great idea; we must have impact, solve problems and make a difference. We take a triple bottom line focus in our activities, balancing between commerce and the public good.

Great science is our foundation. Getting it out there is our aim.

ABOUT MARINE AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH

CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research (CMAR) is a Business Unit within the Environment Group, one of three Science Research Groups operating within the CSIRO Research Enterprise. CMAR is the largest Business Unit by expenditure and revenue in CSIRO with an annual budget in excess of $90m and employs over 550 dedicated research and support staff.

CMAR aims to advance the Australian climate, marine and earth systems science. Our research focuses on issues affecting Australia and the world, and we provide a range of scientific and consulting services that are underpinned by this research.

CSIRO operates a matrix structure with research outputs largely delivered through one of currently six Flagship Programs supplemented by Business Unit Science Themes as appropriate.  The Environment Group currently has five Business Units (including CMAR) and three Flagships including Water for a Healthy Country and Climate Adaptation.

CMAR has a significant collaborative Joint Research Operation Agreement with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.  

CMAR has staff located in five States: Aspendale, Victoria; Canberra, ACT; Cleveland, Queensland; Floreat, Western Australia; and Hobart, Tasmania, where the headquarters are located.  CMAR also manages the National Facility – Ocean Research Vessel Southern Surveyor.