SeaSim Biosecurity Project Officer, Australian Institute of Marine Science

Position Overview

Application Deadline: Open until filled (term June 2026 to March 5, 2027)

Salary: AUD $126,440 to $138,614 annually plus 15.4 percent superannuation (AIMS AOF Level 5)

Education Required: PhD in a related field, or substantial professional experience at subject matter expert level

Experience Required: Specialised expertise in aquarium or aquaculture biosecurity

Description

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is hiring a SeaSim Biosecurity Project Officer in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, on a full-time temporary labour-hire basis from June 2026 to March 5, 2027, with an AOF Level 5 salary of AUD $126,440 to $138,614 plus 15.4 percent superannuation.

The National Sea Simulator (SeaSim) is AIMS’ world-class research aquarium facility for tropical marine experimentation. The Biosecurity Project Officer supports the design and delivery of an aquarium-based biosecurity facility, embedding biosecurity requirements into the design and overseeing project tasks across multiple disciplines.

The role coordinates day-to-day project tasks across engineers, operations, and stakeholders, and is responsible for tracking actions, risks, decisions, and deliverables, supporting schedules, meetings, procurement inputs, and documentation control through design and construction phases.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and delivery of an aquarium-based biosecurity facility within the SeaSim research aquarium complex.
• Embed biosecurity requirements into the facility design across all phases.
• Coordinate day-to-day project tasks across engineers, operations staff, and external stakeholders.
• Track project actions, risks, decisions, and deliverables.
• Support project schedules, meetings, procurement inputs, and documentation control through design and construction.
• Liaise with subject matter experts on aquarium and aquaculture biosecurity best practice.
• Ensure cost-effective service delivery while strengthening system and process reliability.

Requirements

• PhD in a related field demonstrating specialised expertise in aquarium or aquaculture biosecurity, or substantial professional experience at a subject matter expert level.
• Advanced understanding of modern aquarium and aquaculture systems and workflows.
• Knowledge of biosecurity requirements and best practice for aquarium and animal holding facilities.
• Demonstrated experience supporting design and build projects in infrastructure or laboratory or aquaculture settings.
• Focus on strengthening system and process reliability while ensuring cost-effective services.

Additional Notes

• Located in Townsville, Queensland, at AIMS’ Cape Ferguson campus.
• Full-time temporary labour-hire opportunity.
• Flexible work arrangements considered, including hybrid working where suitable.
• Non-Australian citizens must hold a valid working visa for the full term of the appointment.

How to Apply

Download the Candidate Information Pack from the AIMS careers page and apply through the AIMS application portal.

Required application materials:

• Resume detailing aquarium or aquaculture biosecurity expertise and project coordination experience.
• Cover letter or selection criteria response addressing the position description.
• Copies of relevant qualifications.