About AIMS
The Australian Institute of Marine Science is Australia’s tropical marine research agency.
We are a trusted advisor, a partner and employer of choice, and we value integrity, innovation, collaboration and respect. AIMS’ research of Australia’s tropical marine ecosystems guides their effective environmental management and contributes to our understanding of similar ecosystems around the world.
Our research seeks to deliver practical benefit to all Australians and supports the sustainable use of our tropical marine estate. Governments, reef managers, industry and the wider community look to our high-quality, long-term research for informed decisions about our iconic Great Barrier Reef, North-West Shelf, and Arafura and Timor Seas. AIMS expert teams at our locations in Townsville, Darwin and Perth have access to world-class infrastructure, unique datasets, cutting-edge laboratories, and a fleet of modern research vessels.
About this exciting opportunity
Working within the Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence (DAAI) Team, this role will be key in developing and operationalising AI/ML models and AI/ML enabled digital twins of coral reefs and associated marine ecosystems to support monitoring, prediction, and scenario analysis across reef, coastal, and shelf environments.
As our Research Scientist (AI and Scientific System Infrastructure) you will bridge the gaps between marine science, AI, and production grade AI/ML engineering by leading and contributing to the design and development of digital twins for marine systems, integrating observational data, simulations, and AI/ML models to support monitoring, prediction, and scenario analysis.
About you
As a Research Scientist you will have an advanced research background and ideally hold a PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Data Science, or a quantitative marine science discipline. You will have a demonstrated expertise in operationalising advanced AI/ML solutions including transitioning complex models such as digital twins, simulations, Generative AI, and Scientific Machine Learning (SciML)—from research environments into reliable, production grade systems.
Our ideal applicant will have experience deploying AI/ML systems using cloud‑native architectures, familiarity with AI governance, and experience in designing interactive dashboards and visual analytics for scientific or decision‑support applications.
Apply now and join a world leading organisation with attractive working conditions. In line with our Enterprise Agreement, the successful candidate will be rewarded with:
* AIMS AOF Level 6 salary ($146,063 to $164,591 per annum) plus 15.4% superannuation
* Full-time, Permanent opportunity
* Located in Townsville (Qld) or Canberra (ACT)
* 9-day fortnight, enjoy a long weekend each fortnight
* Flexible Work Arrangements considered including hybrid working (where suitable)
* Generous and supportive leave entitlements
* Access to Commuter car fleet arrangements to travel to site (in Townsville only)
* Salary Sacrifice opportunities
* Access to Fitness Passport program, offering discounted membership to selected gyms
* Employee Assistance Program
* Relocation assistance available
Discover more about Working at AIMS | AIMS.
Please note:
Non-Australian Citizens must hold an appropriate Visa with working entitlements that allows paid employment with AIMS from commencement and for the term of the appointment, depending on the relevant Department of Home Affairs current policies. AIMS may be able to consider sponsorship for international applicants for this role, however, please note that visa processing times can impact the ability for AIMS to consider sponsorship for vacancies. AIMS must meet the requirements of the Department of Home Affairs immigration policies and processes, including the necessity to test the local labour market for suitable applicants. This includes international talent pool members who are Australian visa holders who have relevant working rights.
Next Step
Further information about this exciting and challenging opportunity is outlined in the Candidate Information Pack which is available to download from our website www.aims.gov.au. If, after reviewing the position description and selection criteria included in the Candidate Information Pack, you believe that your qualifications, experience and professional capabilities will enable you to successfully the deliver the position responsibilities, we encourage you to make an application via our website.
Submitting your Application: Please ensure that you have your completed documents (selection criteria responses, resume and cover letter) ready to attach to your online application form via our e-recruitment system which can be accessed via our website www.aims.gov.au.
Position enquiries are to be directed to Kamran Shafi, Manager Data Analytics & AI at *******@aims.gov.au. Applications must be made through our website per above.
Applications close: WEDNESDAY, 27 MAY 2026 (11.45PM, AEST).
AIMS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia's first scientists. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past, present and future, and the custodians of the land and sea Country on which we work.