The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Australia’s tropical marine research agency, announces prestigious Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and Marine Scientist Positions for 2026/27, providing exceptional scientists with world-class facilities to investigate coral reef ecosystems, biological oceanography, and tropical fisheries dynamics.
About the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)
Operating state-of-the-art marine research complexes in Townsville (Queensland), Perth (Western Australia), and Darwin (Northern Territory), AIMS is internationally recognized for leadership in tropical marine science. AIMS operates the world-renowned National Sea Simulator (SeaSim)—the world’s most advanced marine experimental research facility—alongside modern ocean research vessels including the RV Solander and RV Cape Ferguson.
Primary Research Domains & Themes
- Coral Reef Ecology & Climate Adaptation: Investigating coral bleaching mechanisms, heat tolerance genetics, larval rearing, and automated reef restoration methodologies across the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef.
- Tropical Biological Oceanography & Biogeochemistry: Coastal shelf circulation, upwelling dynamics, primary production, and ocean acidification impacts on tropical marine biodiversity.
- Sustainable Tropical Aquaculture & Mariculture: Experimental culture of tropical marine finfish, sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra) ranching, macroalgae propagation, and microbial biosecurity in closed-containment systems.
- Autonomous Marine Observation & Artificial Intelligence: Deploying the ReefScan automated coral imaging system, autonomous gliders, and machine learning models for real-time marine ecological surveillance.
- Marine Ecotoxicology & Water Quality: Evaluating agricultural runoff, pesticide kinetics, microplastics, and trace metal bioaccumulation in nearshore tropical marine habitats.
Remuneration & Fellowship Package
- Generous Remuneration: Annual postdoctoral salary ranging from AU$95,000 to AU$115,000 (plus 15.4% superannuation contributions) according to the AIMS Enterprise Agreement.
- Experimental Infrastructure Access: Guaranteed research access to the multi-million-dollar National Sea Simulator (SeaSim) for simulated climate and ocean acidification experiments.
- Sea-Going Expeditions: Direct participation as cruise scientist aboard AIMS research vessels covering the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, and northwest Australian shelf waters.
- Relocation & Professional Development: Comprehensive international relocation support, visa sponsorship, and generous annual discretionary research and travel allowances.
Eligibility & Application Procedure
Eligible applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Marine Science, Coral Reef Biology, Biological Oceanography, Marine Ecology, Fisheries Biology, or Aquatic Biogeochemistry. Applications require an up-to-date curriculum vitae, a cover letter detailing alignment with AIMS strategic research pillars, and contact information for three professional referees.
For active job listings, detailed project briefs, and application submission portals, visit: AIMS Careers Portal (www.aims.gov.au/about/careers-aims).