Jobs and Careers

• Produce new knowledge of iceberg calving in Antarctica using a novel approach
• Collaborate with glaciologists and engineers to improve ice sheet projections
• 3 year fixed-term full-time role based in Hobart with relocation assistance considered

About the opportunity

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate with experience in numerical modelling and a passion for Antarctica. With quantitative skills that include programming and ideally also ice sheet modelling, you will lead a novel investigation into iceberg calving, using statistical constraints from observations and outputs generated by a highly resolved model of the fracture process. The overarching goal is to quantify the mechanical strength of ice shelves and being able to predict when collapse might occur under different climate change scenarios. You will work with and potentially supervise two PhD students.

You will join a diverse team of glaciologists and engineers, working to apply concepts from geomechanical engineering to study the Antarctic glaciers with a novel approach. While being based at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), you will collaborate closely with the School of Engineering to develop state-of-the-art models of Pine Island and Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica and Totten and Denman Glacier in East Antarctica.

What you’ll do:

• Develop a statistically informed calving parameterisation that improves the projection of sea level rise from major Antarctic drainage basins
• Assess iceberg size distributions statistically using observations and numerical modelling
• Assess the current stability of four major ice shelves and thresholds leading to their collapse
• Generate original knowledge of fracture and damage in the calving process
• Publish key findings in journals of high international standard, with communication to the public through outreach activities and to peers at workshops and conferences.
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

What we’re looking for:

• A PhD in Earth Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or another relevant field.
• Experience in numerical modelling, ideally ice sheet modelling demonstrated through a record of publications in scientific journals. 
• Excellent programming skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB, Fortran) and ideally also experience in High-Performance Computing.
• Demonstrated capability to communicate science and present work in various formats to diverse audiences.
• Ability to think outside the box and solve scientific problems with curiosity.
• Ability to work productively and collaboratively in a diverse team of scientists and engineers.
• Capacity for research leadership (e.g., supervising or mentoring of postgraduate research students).

Salary details

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

Considering a move to Tasmania to take up this opportunity?

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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 Poul Christoffersen, Professor in Glaciology on Poul.Christoffersen@utas.edu.au.
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• 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 refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 501485 - Postdoctoral Research Associate.pdf

Applications close Sunday, 7 December 2025, 11.55pm

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.

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.