Aquatic Animal Welfare Research Associate / Research Scientist
Nautilus Collaboration Pty Ltd – Melbourne VIC
Nautilus Collaboration is seeking a dedicated Research Associate or Research Scientist to join our animal welfare team.
This is a permanent part time role on the research side of our work.
If you're also a qualified veterinarian, we'd be open to discussing a full-time position that combines research with veterinary expertise.
You'll step into an active pipeline of aquatic animal welfare research, managing a varied mix of hands‐on technical work, desktop research, and proposal development.
Note on location: Our company is open to the applicant being based in TAS, VIC and NSW.
Key responsibilities:
Carry out hands‐on research for our core animal welfare projects, including humane slaughter, hatchery fish welfare, and chronic stress indicators, with much of this work conducted in the field.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with our partner farms, coordinating visits and ensuring research runs smoothly on site.
Support proposal development: conduct literature reviews, help draft and shape new research proposals, and lay the groundwork for future grants.
Balance ongoing long‐term projects with shorter‐term priorities, and lend a hand with research overflow to keep delivery on track across the team.
For veterinary applicants:
If you're a qualified veterinarian with an interest in aquatic species,



there's real scope to shape this role beyond research.
As an aquatic vet, you could take on clinical and herd‐health responsibilities across our partner farms, including fish health assessments, diagnostics and treatment, biosecurity planning and disease prevention, and broader production medicine to support healthy, well‐managed stock.
We'd be open to negotiating these responsibilities as part of a full‐time position that blends veterinary practice with welfare research.
Qualifications:
A relevant degree in animal welfare, animal science, agricultural science, veterinary science, or a related discipline.
A Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Veterinary Science, or DVM is required, and an advanced degree (Master's or PhD) is highly regarded.
Experience:
At least two years' experience in aquatic animal welfare, farm animal welfare, veterinary science, or a closely related field.
If you're a current PhD candidate nearing completion or a recent PhD graduate, we'd love to hear from you.
Research skills:
Hands‐on experience in applied research, ideally including fieldwork.
Communication:
Excellent interpersonal skills and strong written and verbal communication.
Adaptability:
The flexibility to thrive in a varied, fast‐paced environment, working both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
On-farm readiness:
Comfort working outdoors and in challenging on‐farm conditions.
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📌 Aquatic Animal Welfare Research Associate / Research Scientist (Melbourne)
🏢 Nautilus Collaboration
📍 Melbourne