Jobs and Careers

• Support the development and implementation of molecular monitoring tools
• Modest Relocation allowance considered for the right person
• Full Time, Fixed Term (until December 2028) based in Hobart

About the opportunity

The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies is looking for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to support the development and implementation of molecular monitoring tools for fisheries compliance, traceability and conservation outcomes within the Forensic Fisheries Lab.

As our new Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, you will lead a species-focused workstream within a major applied research program, developing validated reference genomic resources for commercially important fisheries species and translating these into field-deployable species identification protocols using qPCR and long-read sequencing technologies.

You will also support method validation and standardisation across diverse fishing and monitoring contexts and contribute to pilot implementation in collaboration with external partners. In addition to producing high-quality research outputs, you will contribute to best-practice guidance for the use of DNA evidence in fisheries monitoring and enforcement settings.

The role operates with a high level of independence, provides scientific leadership, supports student supervision, and offers scope to contribute to new project development and funding opportunities, delivering measurable impact for Tasmania and beyond.

What you’ll do:

• Deliver high-quality research outcomes in fisheries genomics and molecular monitoring, including preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and presentation of findings to relevant audiences.
• Develop and validate molecular tools and workflows that support seafood traceability and species identification, including optimisation of laboratory and field-deployable protocols.
• Generate, manage and analyse genetic/genomic datasets using appropriate bioinformatics, statistical and data handling approaches to support reliable interpretation and reporting of results.
• Establish and curate genomic reference resources to support forensic species identification outcomes for commercially important fisheries species.
• Support research training and capacity-building within the team, including contribution to supervision of HDR students and provision of mentorship or technical support in laboratory and analytical methods.

­What we’re looking for:

• A PhD or equivalent in a relevant field such as genetics, genomics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, fisheries science, or a related discipline.
• A strong record of high-quality research outputs, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations relevant to molecular monitoring, fisheries genomics and/or seafood traceability.
• Demonstrated experience in molecular genetics, including assay development/validation, sequencing workflows (including long-read sequencing technologies), and generation and analysis of sequencing datasets (including metabarcoding), applying appropriate bioinformatics, statistical and data management approaches for reporting and publication.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively, contribute positively to team culture, and build respectful, constructive relationships with colleagues, students and project partners.
• Experience contributing to research training environments, including supporting HDR students and/or mentoring in laboratory and analytical methods.

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.

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 section from the Position Description below
• For further information about this position, please contact Madeline Green, Research Fellow Molecular Fisheries Ecologist on Madeline.Green@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.

 502321 - Post-doctoral Research Fellow (Molecular monitoring - Seafood Traceability).pdf

Applications close Sunday, 22 March 2026, 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.

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.