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At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

The Coastal and Regional Oceanography group at UNSW is a dynamic team of researchers, including academics, postdocs, data scientists, technical staff, and PhD students conducting research focussed on ocean dynamics, connectivity, hydrodynamic model development and observing system design. The team are based in the School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences with close collaborations with the School of Mathematics and Statistics.). The primary research goal of the Coastal and Regional Oceanography group is to make a major contribution to understanding and predicting our coastal oceans, shelf seas and their interaction with the mesoscale boundary currents.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Physical Oceanographer- Regional Ocean Dynamics involves research into the dynamics and prediction of the Western Central Pacific as part of the collaboration between the IMOS FishSOOP programme (run through UNSW) and the Pacific Community. The position will use new in situ temperature observations Moana sensors deployed on fishing gear (to 0-1000m depth) in conjunction with other extant observations where available (e.g glider, drifter, Argo, satellite remote sensing) and the SPC high-resolution Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) model of parts of the Western and Central Pacific to understand ocean dynamics and regional warming trends..

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 reports to the Professor Moninya Roughan and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Contribute independently and as a team member in collaborative research consistent with disciplinary practice and create scholarly impact
• Contribute to scientific publications and undertake dynamical and quantitative data analysis as required to communicate project outcomes.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate media channels and outlets.
• Participate in and/or present at relevant conferences and/or workshops to communicate project outcomes as required and communicate with industry partners and stake holders.
• Contribute to the development of project planning documents, research proposals, and regular reporting.
• Provide technical research support and guidance to students, colleagues and collaborators working with regional ocean modelling systems and FishSOOP data
• Collaborate with IMOS FishSOOP team members and SPC colleagues as required to improve data delivery and research outcomes.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the UNSW Values in Action: Our Behaviours and the UNSW Code of Conduct.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant:
(Selection Criteria)

• A PhD in Physical Oceanography (completed or pending) in a research environment using regional hydrodynamic models (e.g., ROMS) and related software.
• Strong track record in regional dynamical oceanography and knowledge of model validation, and heat budgets.
• Competent programming ability, including proficiency in C++/ Fortran, Linux, bash, git, Python / Matlab and NetCDF and experience working with high-performance computing environments and github.
• Demonstrated high level analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyse large oceanographic datasets (from models and observations).
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Strong scientific writing skills in English, as evidenced by publications in internationally recognised, high ranking, peer-reviewed journals.
• Proactive commitment to keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Ability to work in a team and independently, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships. Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders, project partners and students.
• Excellent organisation and influencing skills. An action oriented, supportive and positive attitude with a curious mind that encourages exploration. Attention to detail and an ability to prioritise tasks and manage projects in a timely fashion
• 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.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
Moninya Roughan
E: mroughan@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: July 20^th, 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.