Senior Research Scientist-Research Group Leader (Ecosystems)

Science leadership (Senior Research Scientist)

• Contribute to the development of the research portfolio’s science vision in partnership with key stakeholders and scientific collaborators, including other CSIRO Divisions;
• develop proposals for funding within the science plan and vision;
• lead and manage a portfolio of projects;
• deliver advances in science through the work of the research portfolio;
• ensure the delivery of benefit to government, industry and society through application of this research;
• undertake original and innovative research to contribute to the development of CSIRO’s approaches to ecosystem–based multiple-use management, utilising experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Marine ecological / ecosystem modelling;
• Bio-economic modelling;
• Quantifying model uncertainty;
• Management strategy evaluation;
• Adaptive environmental assessment and management;
• Decision support and environmental management tools;
• Ecosystem linkages and their interactions with human activities (e.g. ocean/coastal/catchment, bentho-pelagic);
• Marine environmental impacts of human activities (e.g. coastal development, mining, recreational and commercial fishing, catchment and estuary management).

Capability Management (Research Group Leader)

• In consultation with other research leaders, map current and future capability requirements within the Research Group and efficiently manage the acquisition and assignment of research capability so that capability is available when needed.
• Assist the Research Program Leader to review, monitor and assess the impact of emerging science trends and contribute to strategies to enhance science capability, quality and impact.
• Maintain active national and international science collaborations that are of benefit to advancing the Research Group capability, quality and impact and support the Research Program Leader and research leaders in developing key relationships as required.
• In consultation with relevant research leaders, set and evaluate performance objectives and ensure efficient performance planning and management practices for staff within the Research Group through the use of reward and recognition schemes and performance evaluation processes
• Contribute to plans and practices that ensure the efficient performance and utilisation of research infrastructure (including facilities, plant and equipment).
• Manage the development of staff within the Research Group in accordance with endorsed learning and development priorities, broker staff development opportunities including secondments and contribute to career planning programs and mentoring
• In consultation with relevant universities co-ordinate the intake of postgraduate students and post-doctoral fellows and ensure appropriate co-supervision is maintained.
• Make recommendations for internal and external awards.
• Promote the adoption and application of safe work and sound environmental practices in research operations.  Oversee compliance with standards and protocols to ensure risks to staff, facilities and the environment are mitigated.

Applicants must address the selection criteria.  Applicants that do not address the selection criteria may not be considered.  To assist you prepare your application please read the information at "Before you Apply"

Prerequisite

• PhD or equivalent experience and an outstanding record of achievement in a relevant area of research and leadership.

Essential:

1. A national and preferably international reputation for innovative research in a relevant area of research and leadership.
2. A strong understanding of ecological modelling applied to problems in scientific support for ecosystem-based management, including an understanding of model uncertainty, management strategy evaluation and the science/management and science/policy interfaces.
3. Demonstrated experience in initiating, conducting and managing scientific research that is characterised by demonstrable benefit for science, industry, government and/or the community, with a high degree of originality, creativity and innovation.
4. Demonstrated ability to formulate and implement the strategic direction for development of research capability by balancing short and long term needs.
5. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment, build relationships, trust and confidence with internal and external collaborators.
6. Demonstrated ability to build and manage a diverse multidisciplinary group and hold staff accountable for their work performance (relationships, quality, output and development) through regular constructive performance feedback.
7. Demonstrated ability to operationally manage resources (staff, facilities and equipment) in a complex, demanding and changing research environment.
8. Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, coach and develop staff to their full potential.

Desirable

1. A national and preferably international reputation for innovative research in ecological or ecosystem modelling applied to natural resource management and conservation preferably in fisheries or marine ecological systems.

Applications

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. Your Documents will be converted into PDF format. To view these documents once converted you will need to download Adobe Reader Download Adobe Reader  

CSIRO prefers applications be lodged online via this careers site.

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 2008/738 to +61 2 6246 4455 or alternatively post to:

CSIRO Careers Online

PO Box 225

DICKSON ACT 2602

If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact Dr Alan Butler via email alan.butler@csiro.au or phone +61 3 6232 5157.

Do not apply via email to Alan.  Any applications received via this method will not be accepted, please use the "Apply Now " function.

ABOUT MARINE AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH

CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research 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.

CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research 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, Food Future’s and Wealth From Oceans. 

For further information about CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, visit our website at www.cmar.csiro.au.