Jobs and Careers

• Coordinate strategic communications to promote ACEAS research and expertise
• Enhance ACEAS media presence through highlighting research stories and Antarctic fieldwork
• Full or part-time (0.6 – 1.0 FTE negotiable), fixed term role till June 2026 based in Hobart

About the opportunity

The Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science (ACEAS) is one of Australia’s leading Antarctic and Southern Ocean research organisations. Based out of the University of Tasmania, and spanning seven universities across the country, ACEAS works to understand climate risks emerging from East Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Our team numbers about 150 researchers and our work spans scientific laboratories, Antarctic fieldwork, and computer-based analysis.

The Communications Officer will coordinate communications of ACEAS under the broad direction of the Director to enhance the visibility of ACEAS research and researchers. The Officer will lead the planning and development of news, web, and social media stories focused on ACEAS research and researchers, including pre-planning and delivery of stories covering Antarctic fieldwork activity. The Officer will also oversee and edit briefing documents for policymakers and lead training of ACEAS staff and PhD students in science communications. The position’s fraction is by negotiation in the range 0.6 – 1.0 FTE.

What you’ll do:

• Maximise the profile of ACEAS on social and news media, including pitching stories and commissioning editors for feature videos to highlight our research and fieldwork.
• Identify and creatively tell stories sourced across ACEAS partner universities.
• Train researchers in public communication of science.
• Increase engagement with policymakers and distribute policy-relevant information.
• Help maximise the impact of ACEAS science in the public domain and with end users (e.g., the policymakers or international bodies).

What we’re looking for:

• Tertiary qualifications in a science, journalism or communications discipline.
• Demonstrated record of achievement in communications, journalism, and/or public affairs.
• Experience of identification, production, and delivery of high-quality media stories, ideally within a science or research context.
• Demonstrated experience in storytelling through social and other visual media, ideally along with proficiency in using editing software, to produce high-quality content that captivates audiences.
• Experience in managing media interactions and/or community and public relations activities.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to communicate with, and present information effectively to, a diverse range of people, build strong, trusted networks, and work flexibly and proactively as a member of a team.
• Excellent organisational skills including a capacity to act independently, use initiative, prioritise, solve problems, develop and modify procedures, gather relevant information and refer to relevant staff as appropriate.
• High level skills in word processing and presentation software, including developing engaging online content.
• Experience maintaining websites is highly regarded.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 7 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $130,943 comprising base salary within the range of $101,821 to $111,917 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience.  You do not need to separately address the success profile criteria.
• For further information about this position, please contact Matt King, Director, ARC Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science, matt.king@utas.edu.au or 03 6226 1974.
• 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 - 501273 - Communications Officer.pdf

Applications close Sunday, 27 July 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.