Environmental Marine Research Scientist, Oceanography, Cawthron Institute

Position Overview

Application Deadline: June 14, 2026

Salary: NZD $87,000 to $125,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience, plus KiwiSaver employer contribution

Education Required: PhD in marine environmental science research (e.g. oceanography, marine science, environmental engineering, marine physics, or a related field)

Experience Required: Ideally 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in bio-physical applied research and consultancy

Description

Cawthron Institute is hiring a permanent, full-time Environmental Marine Research Scientist – Oceanography in Nelson, New Zealand, paying NZD $87,000 to $125,000, with applications closing 14 June 2026.

Cawthron Institute is New Zealand’s largest independent science organisation, delivering innovative solutions for sustainable aquaculture, seafood safety, and environmental protection. With more than 100 years of impact as a not-for-profit, Cawthron develops science-based solutions to manage and enhance the marine environment.

The Environmental Marine Research Scientist joins the Healthy Oceans Group and oceanography team, contributing bio-physical expertise to multidisciplinary research and consulting projects with a particular focus on marine computational modelling.

Responsibilities

• Contribute specialist bio-physical expertise to multidisciplinary research and consulting projects.
• Lead and support marine computational modelling work supporting client and research objectives.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary science teams across the Institute on scientifically robust outcomes.
• Tackle complex applied problems and contribute to project delivery.
• Grow leadership and funding experience within a supportive, collaborative environment.

Requirements

• PhD in marine environmental science research, e.g. oceanography, marine science, environmental engineering, marine physics, or a related field.
• Experience coding solutions to scientific problems in Python, MATLAB, or R, and using modelling frameworks.
• Demonstrable skills in at least some of: physical marine data analysis, numerical ocean modelling, Lagrangian particle tracking, satellite remote sensing, and biochemical processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in bio-physical applied research and consultancy.

Additional Notes

• Permanent, full-time role based in Nelson, New Zealand.
• Benefits include flexible working arrangements, professional development, health and wellbeing initiatives, and a collaborative, inclusive culture.
• Cawthron is committed to equitable and inclusive recruitment practices; accommodations available via recruitment@cawthron.org.nz.

How to Apply

Apply through the Cawthron Institute careers page by 5:00 pm on 14 June 2026.

Required application materials:

• CV.
• Cover letter outlining what you can bring to the role.