Job Title

Join to apply for the Research Officer Seaweed role at CQUniversity.Base Pay RangeA$91,311.00/yr - A$108,796.00/yrLocation & RelocationGladstone, Queensland (CQUniversity Gladstone campus). Relocation support available.About the RoleThe Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) is seeking a highly motivated Research Officer to support applied marine research focused on seaweed ecology and ecophysiology. Located within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, CMERC hosts the world''s largest seagrass nursery and leads research in coastal habitat restoration, sustainable marine resources and ecosystem health.This role will contribute to a pioneering coral aquaculture restoration project in partnership with Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC), focusing on how macroalgae influence coral health and restoration outcomes. You will support experimental design, data collection and analysis of algalcoral interactions, including thermal stress, competition and allelopathic effects on coral transplants.You will also contribute to an interdisciplinary initiative developing a seaweedbased biorefinery to produce highvalue bioproducts, including optimising extraction and purification protocols, characterising biopolymers and metabolites, and evaluating scalability to support circular economy outcomes. This includes ecological surveys, algal processing and close collaboration with CMERC researchers and project partners, using infrastructure such as aquaria systems and mesocosms to deliver highquality data aligned to project milestones, particularly for seaweedcoral interactions and restoration under climate stress.Benefits17% superannuation (with the choice to join an awardwinning superfund)6 weeks annual leave (incl. Christmas and New Year closure)10 days personal/sick leave, plus 5 days carer''s leave7.25 hours engaged service leaveFantastic professional and career development opportunitiesUp to 26 weeks (six months) paid parental leaveAccess to an Employee Assistance Program and Fitness PassportQualificationsCompletion of a fouryear tertiary qualification in Seaweed Biology/Ecology, Marine Biotechnology or Marine Biology, with relevant work experience; or an honours degree or higher; or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience.Demonstrated experience using R or Python for statistical modelling, data analysis and visualisation.Strong written and verbal communication skills, including a record of publication in peerreviewed journals.Proven ability to conduct highquality investigative research, including research design, statistical analysis, data interpretation and preparation of research reports.Experience in the extraction and characterisation of seaweed or algal biomolecules, including polysaccharides or biopolymers (desirable).Completion of a PhD in Seaweed Biology/Ecology, Marine Biotechnology or Marine Biology (desirable).ApplicationApplications Close: 11:59pm, Sunday, 18 January 2026.Please include your current CV or resume and a 12 page cover letter highlighting your relevant skills, experience and suitability for the position. Fulltime work rights are required. Visa sponsorship is not available; candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia.A condition of employment for this role is relocation to the Gladstone region. Please confirm your willingness to relocate in your application.Equal Opportunity StatementCQUniversity is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and CQUniversity''s domestic and international student graduates with poststudy work rights are encouraged to apply.Job ReferenceJob Requisition ID: 6824.#J-18808-Ljbffr