Jobs and Careers

• Contribute to the ‘Charting the Legal Seascape for Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal’ project
• Be responsible for handling data collection, surveys, publications, and logistics for the mCDR project
• 3 year fixed term, part-time (0.8 FTE) position based in Hobart

About the opportunity

The Research Fellow will contribute to the project, Charting the Legal Seascape for Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal in Australia. This project, funded through 2025 Australian Research Council Discovery Project Grant, addresses the question ‘How should marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) be governed to accelerate Australia’s pathway to net zero, while managing the environmental, social, cultural and economic risks of large-scale interventions in Australia’s marine environment?’ This project represents a unique opportunity to conduct research of national and international significance.

What you’ll do:

• Collaborate with the Chief Investigators to conduct high quality doctrinal and qualitative research. This includes contributing to overall study design, the design of survey and interview protocols, and conducting and analysing stakeholder interviews.
• Design and manage an electronic database to collect and store data generated from each phase of the project.
• Using initiative and, with supervision from the project CIs, prepare applications and obtain approvals from required Human Research Ethics Committees.
• Produce high quality journal publications in high-ranking peer-reviewed journals and, in so doing, meet and regularly exceed the University’s research performance expectations for a Level A academic.
• Support the project team in delivering project outcomes.

What we’re looking for:

• A postgraduate degree qualification in law or a relevant discipline, preferably at PhD level, noting that applicants with lower-level qualifications may be considered if they satisfy the essential requirements to a high level.
• Demonstrated experience in research, organisational skills, and capacity to act independently, within established research guidelines and using discretion and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated experience working with a team of researchers to conduct high quality research.
• Expertise in Australian climate or environmental law
• Demonstrated well-developed written and analytical skills with particular emphasis on attention to detail, preferably with experience in drafting and editing publications.
• Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods is desirable. 
• A demonstrated knowledge of coastal and marine law, climate intervention governance./CDR governance, Australian offshore wind governance or Australian offshore aquaculture governance is also desirable.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at Academic Level A and will have a total remuneration package of up to $125,877 pro rata comprising base salary within the range of $83,198 to $107,587 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• To apply online, please provide the following supporting documentation:
  • Resume
  • 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 further information about this position, please contact Professor Jan McDonald, jan.mcdonald@utas.edu.au  or +61 3 6226 2070.
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 501032 - Research Fellow.pdf

Applications close Tuesday, 30 September 2025, 11.55pm

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.