Closes: Feb 18, 2026
- Research Scientist (APS6 - EL1) - $95,438 - $134,295 per annum plus superannuation
- Australian Antarctic Division
- Hobart, TAS,Kingston, TAS
- Provide critical analytical support to reduce uncertainty in Antarctic ice-sheet contributions to sea-level rise, directly relevant to Australia and its Pacific Island partners.
- Join a small, high-impact team delivering world-leading polar science and provide expert data synthesis.
- Kingston/Hobart location with flexible hybrid arrangements.
Who we are
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. As primary agency for Australia's Antarctic Program (AAP), the AAD is responsible for achieving the Australian Government's Antarctic goals.
These goals are to:
- maintain the Antarctic Treaty System and enhance Australia's influence within it
- protect the Antarctic environment
- understand the role of Antarctica in the global climate system
- undertake scientific work of practical, economic and national significance.
The AAD also has responsibility for administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
The Australian Antarctic Division’s Science Branch leads the Australian Government’s scientific program in Antarctica. Our research addresses critical issues including climate change, the human footprint in Antarctica, the conservation of Antarctic and Southern Ocean wildlife, and the sustainable management of Southern Ocean fisheries, and is directed by the Australian Antarctic Strategic Plan.
The Ice Sheet and Sea Level component of the Antarctic Climate Program focuses on reducing the largest uncertainties in global climate projections identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – in particular the future behaviour of the Antarctic ice sheet and its contribution to sea-level rise. This work directly supports Australia’s national climate adaptation priorities, Pacific Island partnerships, and international commitments through peer-reviewed publications and long-term observational networks and modelling.
For more information about us please visit our website.
The job
- Undertake advanced analysis of ice-sheet, climate and sea-level datasets; integrate simulations with satellite and in-situ observations to quantify drivers of ice-sheet change due to ocean and atmosphere forcing, and contributions to sea-level rise.
- Work as part of a small team to provide analysis support to AAD projects and collaborate with national and international partners on data analysis, model inter-comparisons, and field research planning.
- Manipulate, quality-control, and visualise large geophysical datasets using Python, MATLAB, R, and GIS tools in Linux/Unix environments.
- Prepare and contribute to the publication of science outputs in international peer-reviewed journals.
What you’ll gain from the experience
- A direct contribution to reducing the largest uncertainty in future sea-level rise projections due to ice sheet change.
- Hands-on experience with the latest satellite products, field observations, and state-of-the-art numerical models.
- Opportunities to co-author high-impact papers in a world-leading research institute with flexible arrangements.
What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
- Demonstrated experience in geophysics research such as Antarctic ice-sheet or sea-level research.
- Advanced scientific programming skills (e.g. MATLAB, R, FORTRAN) and proven expertise in geospatial analysis.
- Experience managing, processing and analysing large geophysical data sets derived from satellite, models and in-situ observations.
- Excellent scientific writing, communication and teamwork skills, with a track record of successful collaboration on national and international projects.
Mandatory Qualifications
- A PhD in glaciology, physical oceanography, geophysics or a closely related discipline.
Eligibility and other requirements
Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.
Security Clearance - this position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
Mandatory qualifications – your suitability for employment will be dependent on you holding relevant mandatory qualifications.
Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.
For additional information, please read the Job Description below.
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