About AIMS

The Australian Institute of Marine Science is Australia’s tropical marine research agency.

We are a trusted advisor, a partner and employer of choice, and we value integrity, innovation, collaboration and respect. AIMS’ research of Australia’s tropical marine ecosystems guides their effective environmental management and contributes to our understanding of similar ecosystems around the world.

Our research seeks to deliver practical benefit to all Australians and supports the sustainable use of our tropical marine estate. Governments, reef managers, industry and the wider community look to our high-quality, long-term research for informed decisions about our iconic Great Barrier Reef, North-West Shelf, and Arafura and Timor Seas. AIMS expert teams at our locations in Townsville, Darwin and Perth have access to world-class infrastructure, unique datasets, cutting-edge laboratories, and a fleet of modern research vessels.

About this exciting opportunity

The National Sea Simulator Experimental Research Manager contributes to the successful development operation and strategic use of the National Sea Simulator (SeaSim) by providing expert advice, guidance and support to researchers in the design and delivery of experimental marine research. The roles works closely AIMS scientists, external researchers and the broader SeaSim team to ensure research projects are developed in a way that to best utilise the SeaSim’s unique experimental capabilities, infrastructure and technical expertise.

As a subject matter expert, the Experimental Research Manager also:

• Provides high-level advice on the husbandry and maintenance of experimental organisms.
• Leads and implements AIMS activities in the development and optimisation of systems for the propagation, breeding and maintenance of organisms for experimental use undertaken in the SeaSim.
• Oversees the development of new and novel experimental capability to maintain SeaSim’s position as a world leading facility.
• Enhance the international profile of AIMS/SeaSim through world-class peer-reviewed publications and other avenues (e.g. workshops, briefings, media).
• Assists in the process for merit-based access to the SeaSim

The role provides leadership and coordination across key SeaSim functions, including guidance on experimental system design and space allocation, oversight of the water quality program, leadership of the Research Technician team, development of the AIMS Symbiont Lab, and strategic input into husbandry capability.

About you

You will have a postgraduate degree, or equivalent experience, in marine science or a related discipline, together with strong knowledge of marine organism biology, husbandry and experimental use in aquarium-based research. You will bring experience supporting or delivering research or technical projects, ideally in a complex aquarium, aquaculture, research infrastructure or marine experimental facility. You will be able to advise researchers on experimental design, organism maintenance, system requirements and practical project delivery.

You will be a collaborative leader with strong interpersonal, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, and a demonstrated ability to foster innovation, technical excellence and a positive team culture. Advanced knowledge of coral biology and ecology, including coral ecophysiology, taxonomy, reproduction and spawning, is highly desirable. Experience in water quality programs, organism propagation, symbiont culture or novel marine experimental methods would also be highly regarded.

Apply now and join a world leading organisation with attractive working conditions.  In line with our Enterprise Agreement, the successful candidate will be rewarded with:

• AIMS AOF Level 5 salary ($126,440 to $138,614 per annum) plus 15.4% superannuation
• Full-time,  Permanent opportunity
• Located in Townsville (Qld)
• 9-day fortnight, enjoy a long weekend each fortnight
• Flexible Work Arrangements considered including hybrid working (where suitable)
• Generous and supportive leave entitlements
• Access to Commuter car fleet arrangements to travel to site (in Townsville only)
• Salary Sacrifice opportunities
• Access to Fitness Passport program, offering discounted membership to selected gyms
• Employee Assistance Program
• Relocation assistance available

Discover more about Working at AIMS | AIMS.

Please note:

Non-Australian Citizens must hold an appropriate Visa with working entitlements that allows paid employment with AIMS from commencement and for the full term of the appointment, depending on the relevant Department of Home Affairs current policies.

Next Step

Further information about this exciting and challenging opportunity is outlined in the Candidate Information Pack which is available to download from our website www.aims.gov.au. If, after reviewing the position description and selection criteria included in the Candidate Information Pack, you believe that your qualifications, experience and professional capabilities will enable you to successfully the deliver the position responsibilities, we encourage you to make an application via our website.

Submitting your Application: Please ensure that you have your completed documents (selection criteria responses, resume and cover letter) ready to attach to your online application form via our e-recruitment system which can be accessed via our website www.aims.gov.au.

Position enquiries are to be directed to Florita Flores, SeaSim Research Aquarist at [email protected]. Applications must be made through our website per above.

Applications close: WEDNESDAY, 01 JULY 2026 (11.45PM, AEST).

AIMS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia's first scientists. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past, present and future, and the custodians of the land and sea Country on which we work.