Research Scientist (AI and Scientific System Infrastructure)

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 bridging marine science and artificial intelligence. You will work collaboratively with marine scientists, software engineers and AI architects to translate ecological and oceanographic models into scalable and reliable software solutions. As our Research Scientist (AI and Scientific System Infrastructure) you will contribute to AI-enabled marine research, utilising developments in machine learning, data visualisation, and simulation technology. This role offers opportunities to contribute to sustainable solutions, collaborate with experts in the field, and support projects designed to deliver practical impact.
About you As a Research Scientist you will hold a PhD or equivalent research experience in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, or a highly quantitative Marine Science discipline coupled with deep understanding of ML and AI models, including Generative AI and Scientific ML models, and experience with application of these models to practical domains, especially to natural or man-made complex systems. You will demonstrate experience taking AI/ML research prototypes and successfully transforming them into operational, user-facing products or integrated systems using MLOps frameworks along with experience adapting AI/ML solutions to specific scientific domains, ideally marine science, understanding the unique challenges of natural systems data and modelling. Our ideal applicant will have High-level expertise in programming languages with a strong understanding of software engineering best practices for building robust, scalable, and maintainable production systems, APIs, and microservices for AI/ML artifacts coupled with practical experience with cloud platforms and their AI/ML services.
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 ($141,261 to $159,178 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 k.shafi@aims.gov.au. Applications must be made through our website per above. Applications close: TUESDAY, 25NOVEMBER 2025 (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.