Research Associate - Sediment Provenance

• Undertake internationally renowned research informing the future of Antarctic Ice Sheet
• Work within a diverse, multidiscipline team with significant scope for widely impactful research
• Full-time, 2-year fixed term opportunity based in Hobart

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the palawa/pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present

The University of Tasmania

At the University of Tasmania, we're connected by a shared purpose to make a positive difference through education, research and engagement with our communities.

As Tasmania's university, our work is shaped by the people and places around us. We bring together different perspectives, knowledge and expertise to create opportunities, respond to challenges and contribute to Tasmania's future and beyond.

Your next opportunity

This role will involve deriving and interpreting multi-proxy provenance information from sediment cores that sample the Pliocene glaciomarine history of the Aurora Subglacial Basin.  This work will be laboratory-intensive and include student supervision, with significant scope for widely impactful research. 

Your new team

The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies is internationally renowned for Antarctic science. This project aims to provide a new benchmark for ice loss in the East Antarctic Aurora Subglacial Basin, one of the biggest risks for multi-meter sea level rise in the 21st century. Expected outcomes are new geological observations linked to numerical models that define current ice sheet dynamics and quantify the amount of ice sheet retreat during the warm Pliocene, which is an analogue for climatic conditions expected within decades. 

What you'll contribute

• Lead high-quality marine sediment provenance research.
• Generate robust geological datasets.
• Analyse marine sediment provenance in the context of other environmental proxy data.
• Deconvolute the complex influences of glacial erosion, glacial/marine transport and marine sedimentation processes.
• Drive national and international interdisciplinary collaboration amongst Antarctic researchers.

What you'll bring

• A PhD in geology, geochemistry or a relevant field.
• A record of, and continuing commitment to, research excellence.
• A record of quality publications, presentations at conferences and awareness of pathways for securing external competitive and other funding.
• Experience, relative to opportunity, in research supervision, and supporting graduate level learning.
• A record of contributing to building and maintaining effective and productive links.

For further information, please refer to the Position Description below.

What we offer

We provide more than a great place to work. Our people enjoy a wide variety of benefits and services.

• Up to 17% superannuation
• Substantial paid leave entitlements including parental leave (up to 26 weeks paid with shared parental care)
• Salary packaging and novated lease options with Maxxia
• Professional development
• Study Leave for academic staff
• Employee Assistance Program
• An array of fitness, health insurance, car hire, hotel, and other staff discounts.

For more information: Working at the University

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

The University of Tasmania is dedicated to developing a talented and adaptable Aboriginal workforce and is currently seeking expressions of interest for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Talent Register.

Insert information

The Aboriginal and Torres Straight Island team are available to assist you with any questions you may have. Please contact us at aboriginal.employment@utas.edu.au.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at Academic Level B and will have a total remuneration package of up to $155,885 comprising base salary within the range of $114,766 to $133,235 plus 17% superannuation.

How to apply

• To apply online, please provide the following supporting documentation:
  • Resume/CV
  • Cover letter outlining your suitability and motivation for the role
  • Your responses to the Role Specific Skills, Knowledge and Experience from the Position Description below
• For current UTAS staff, in submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
• Please submit applications via the online portal. Applications sent via email will not be accepted.

Eligibility and pre-employment requirements

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.

Want to know more?

About the position: Jacqueline Halpin, Lead Graduate Research Coordinator/Associate Professor in Geology, jacqueline.halpin@utas.edu.au

About the recruitment process: https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying

Recruitment adjustments: utascareers@utas.edu.au

Applications close: Sunday November 29th 2026, 11:55pm

Proposed interview dates: Week starting Decmeber 7th 2026

Position Description - 504531 - Research Associate - Sediment Provenance.pdf

Join us and contribute to work that matters for Tasmania and beyond.

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