University Of Tasmania

The University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) is internationally recognised for excellence in marine and Antarctic research.

Located on the Hobart waterfront, our IMAS headquarters houses world-class laboratories and teaching spaces, and cultivates new research and educational opportunities. We share this landmark building with important research partnerships, including Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP), the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science (ACEAS) and more.

Just 15 minutes away on the scenic route south, IMAS Taroona is emerging as a unique fisheries and aquaculture precinct – a centre for world-class research, enhanced collaboration and industry engagement, and outstanding marine science education. At the heart of the Taroona facility is the Joint Venture Agreement between the State Government and the University – the Sustainable Marine Research Collaboration Agreement (SMRCA).

At IMAS, we create exceptional learning opportunities for the next generation of scientists, industry and government leaders, and we are dedicated to enhancing environmental understanding and informing thoughtful and sustainable development for the benefit of Australia and the world.

Homepage: https://www.utas.edu.au/imas

• Join an interdisciplinary team of scientists working to resolve sea level projection uncertainty
• Accelerate global climate action through modelling and data-driven Antarctic research
• 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 to lead investigations into the dynamic component of the Antarctic ice sheet’s observed decadal variability. Although it is often overlooked, this variability offers a window of opportunity to understand ice-sheet-climate interactions and, also, calibrate models. In this project, you will leverage the observed decadal variability, to project Antarctic contributions to sea level rise with improved accuracy. You will have a passion for Antarctica and quantitative skills that include programming and machine-learning or numerical ice sheet modelling.

As the successful candidate, you will investigate Thwaites and Pine Island glaciers in West Antarctica, where decadal variability occurs alongside long-term ice elevation change and glacier acceleration of a sustained nature. You will also - importantly – investigate Totten and Denman glaciers in East Antarctica, where dynamic change is emerging. With observational time series to constrain spatial and temporal perturbations in ice velocity and dynamic elevation change, you will calibrate poorly constrained model parameters using the simulated response obtained through ice flow modelling. The research is funded by the Australian Research Council.

What you’ll do:

• Determine parameter distributions in a model with errors using observations.
• Quantify ice sheet contributions to sea level rise with a calibrated model of major drainage basins.
• Make original contributions that advance Antarctic science and knowledge.
• Publish key findings in journals of high international standard, with communication to the public through outreach activities and to peers at workshops and conferences.

What we’re looking for:

• A PhD in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Earth Science 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 high level skills in scientific writing and capability to present work in various formats to diverse audiences.
• Ability to think outside the box and solve scientific problems with curiosity and rigor.
• Ability to work productively and collaboratively in a diverse team in which members have different skillsets and backgrounds.
• 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.

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.

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.

Visit the University of Tasmania careers page to view the Position Description.

Applications close Thursday, 4 June 2026, 11.55pm