Postdoctoral Fellow - Marine Science in Bristol

Location: Australia.

One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities. Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion. Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best.

The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) examines the natural environment, including life, from the core of the Earth to its upper atmosphere, deep in time through to the present and modelling towards the future. Research within BEES is clustered within four thematic areas: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Climate Science; Environmental Change, Sustainability and Resources; Paleoenvironments and Earth History. The School of BEES has over 150 academic and professional staff, over 170 research students and 60 honours students.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Research Associate/Post-Doctoral Fellow to join our collaborative research team and work with us on marine restoration and ecology projects, including Operation Posidonia. This position includes work managed via the Sydney Institute of Marine Science. The role involves extensive underwater field work and requires a candidate with substantial field experience. The successful candidate will lead high‑quality research projects to enhance our understanding and conservation of marine ecosystems, working with a committed team of professionals from both institutions.

About The Role

• Level A – $113K–$121K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 2 years
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role will work under the supervision of Professor Adriana Vergés.

Specific Responsibilities For This Role Include

• Conceptualise, design and conduct research and assist research teams to conduct marine restoration and ecology projects.
• Lead the production of technical and progress reports, manuscripts for publication and tenders or grants for external funding.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project.
• Assist with the supervision of and mentor research students where required.
• Support occasional teaching activities, assess student learning achievements and support students in line with UNSW policy and guidance of senior academics where required.
• Develop and manage effective communications with key stakeholders, both internal and external, including Indigenous owners.
• Conduct project administration including coordination of workshops and meetings, minute taking, manage assigned actions and follow‑ups and project status reporting.
• Coordinate, plan and complete marine research activities within agreed project timelines and responsibilities.
• Monitor, track and report on the status of project deliverables to ensure time, cost and quality metrics are in line with approved project plans.
• Monitor research protocols, provide problem solving and resolution to any evolving problems related to design, implementation and analysis.
• Maintain and manage lab and field supplies and assist with management of lab finances.
• Build equipment for underwater and mesocosm experiments and maintain mesocosm systems, e.g., at the aquarium at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science.
• Collect and process biological samples and assist with data analyses.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure no impact on health and safety of self or others.

About The Successful Applicant

• A PhD in marine biology, marine ecology, marine science or a related field, with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations in related areas.
• Knowledge of research protocols, experimental design and planning and demonstrated ability to conduct high‑quality academic research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and collaborate across disciplines but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
• Project management experience, with an understanding of the project life cycle and development of project plans, objectives and documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to liaise effectively with a range of stakeholders and students.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications.
• Extensive experience and appropriate certifications for SCUBA diving (e.g., PADI Scientific Diver, Dive Master, Instructor or ADAS commercial diving qualifications).
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application. For informal queries, please see the contact details below. Otherwise, please apply online – applications will not be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.

Contact: Adriana Verges E: a.verges@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: November 24th, 2025

Find Out More About Working At UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.