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 SeaSim Head Aquarist plays a key role in the successful development and operation of the National Sea Simulator. This position provides hands-on expertise and leadership in designing, operating, and optimising systems for the holding, propagation, breeding, and preparation of marine organisms used in experimental research projects. The Head Aquarist ensures excellence through effective supervision and mentoring of a diverse team, including husbandry technicians, students, interns, and volunteers.

The Head Aquarist is responsible for developing, refining, and implementing protocols and best practices within SeaSim to support technicians and users in maintaining aquarium systems, caring for aquatic organisms, propagating coral, managing feeding regimes, and preparing organisms for experimental use.     

About you

Underpinning your suitability for this role will be your Bachelor’s degree in marine science or related discipline combined with proven ability to engage stakeholders effectively to meet client needs and enhance service delivery. You have extensive experience in supervision and management of a team and tropical marine organism husbandry in an aquarium, aquaculture or research setting. You have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. Experience in project management is highly desirable.

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 4 salary ($97,503 to $110,957 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 ********@aims.gov.au. Applications must be made through our website per above.

Applications close: SUNDAY, 15 FEBRUARY 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.