About AIMS The Australian Institute of Marine Science is Australia’s tropical marine research agency.

We are a trusted advisor, a partner and employer of choice, and we value integrity, innovation, collaboration and respect. AIMS’ research of Australia’s tropical marine ecosystems guides their effective environmental management and contributes to our understanding of similar ecosystems around the world.

Our research seeks to deliver practical benefit to all Australians and supports the sustainable use of our tropical marine estate. Governments, reef managers, industry and the wider community look to our high-quality, long-term research for informed decisions about our iconic Outstanding Barrier Reef, North-West Shelf, and Arafura and Timor Seas. AIMS expert teams at our locations in Townsville, Darwin and Perth have access to world-class infrastructure, unique datasets, cutting-edge laboratories, and a fleet of modern research vessels.

About this exciting opportunity

As AIMS’ Large Area Monitoring Scientist you will be responsible for developing, testing and applying advanced 3D photogrammetry techniques to support ecological research and biodiversity monitoring. This role involves coordinating field data collection, processing, and management, producing 3D models and 2D orthomosaics, applying and training AI tools for data extraction, and ensuring all data outputs are accurate and reliable. You will develop and improve workflows, carry out quality assurance and validation, and produce structural complexity and benthic community and composition data to monitor the success of restoration projects.

This role will additionally support the development and use of innovative monitoring technologies to improve the understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity, you will help develop standardised methods, automate processes and build the technical skills of project partners so they can confidently use digital twin technology. This role contributes to high-impact scientific research, promotes effective data management in line with FAIR and CARE principles, and supports the sharing of knowledge and technology across Australia and the Pacific. Overall, this position plays an important role in improving environmental, ecological,



and biodiversity monitoring methods and supporting the long-term success of marine and ecological restoration projects.

About you

You will demonstrate solid qualifications and relevant experience with a master’s degree in coral reef ecology or a related field and expertise in underwater photogrammetry, including data collection, processing, method development and the management of large datasets using, advanced databases, and high-performance computing (HPC), or similar. You will have experience using specialist 3D modelling software, alongside strong capabilities in quantitative and spatial ecology. You will bring skills in analysing large-area 2D and 3D maps (i.e. orthomosaics and 3D models), working with coral early life stages (especially recruitment, survival and growth of young corals), coral aquaculture and/or restoration, and managing and visualising complex datasets using R, Python and GitHub supporting the delivery of accurate, reliable and high-quality scientific research outcomes.

As a monitoring scientist you will demonstrate the ability to coordinate fieldwork and research activities in remote and challenging environments, including underwater benthic surveys, environmental monitoring and restoration projects. Your strong communication and interpersonal skills will enable you to effectively collaborate within multidisciplinary teams and communicate the scientific findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. Furthermore, our ideal applicant has experience supporting capacity building by translating advanced technical workflows into practical protocols for project partners and stakeholders coupled with the capabilities that align well with the role’s requirements to develop and standardise photogrammetry methods, support digital twin applications, and strengthen monitoring capacity across Australia and the Pacific.





Apply now and join a world leading organisation with attractive working conditions. In line with our Enterprise Agreement, the successful candidate will be rewarded with:

- AIMS AOF Level 3 Enhanced (3.1-3.9) salary ($79,053 to $99,105 per annum) plus 15.4% superannuation
- Full-time, 2-year Temporary (Labour hire) opportunity
- Located in Townsville (Qld
- 9-day fortnight, enjoy a long weekend each fortnight
- Flexible Work Arrangements considered including hybrid working (where suitable)
- Generous and supportive leave entitlements
- Access to Commuter car fleet arrangements to travel to site (in Townsville only)
- Employee Assistance Program

Discover more about Working at AIMS | AIMS.

Please note:

Non-Australian Citizens must hold an appropriate Visa with working entitlements that allows paid employment with AIMS from commencement and for the full term of the appointment, depending on the relevant Department of Home Affairs current policies.

Next Step

Further information about this exciting and challenging opportunity is outlined in the Candidate Information Pack which is available to download from our website www.aims.gov.au. If, after reviewing the position description and selection criteria included in the Candidate Information Pack, you believe that your qualifications, experience and professional capabilities will enable you to successfully the deliver the position responsibilities, we encourage you to make an application via our website.

Submitting your Application: Please ensure that you have your completed documents (selection criteria responses, resume and cover letter) ready to attach to your online application form via our e-recruitment system which can be accessed via our website www.aims.gov.au.

Position enquiries are to be directed to Renata Ferrari Legorreta, Ecological Risk Modeller at [email protected]. Applications must be made through our website per above.

Applications close: SUNDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 2026 (11.45PM, AEST).

AIMS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia's first scientists. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past, present and future, and the custodians of the land and sea Country on which we work.

📌 Large Area Monitoring Scientist (Townsville)
🏢 Australian Institute of Marine Science
📍 Townsville