Ocean Career: AIMS AI Research Scientist – environment coastal & offshore

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is a world leader in tropical marine research, expanding our nation’s knowledge hidden below the surface. From Ningaloo in the west, across the Top End to the Great Barrier Reef, AIMS’ researchers understand large-scale, complex, and emerging challenges in iconic marine habitats in Australia’s vast and remote tropical waters. As a trusted name in marine science we look to Australia’s future needs and build upon our existing capabilities and knowledge to support thriving oceans.

About Data Science and Research Services Program’s Data Analytics and AI Team

Data analytics and AI capabilities are vital to the development of solutions and insights that transform how decision-makers can understand and manage our marine estate. The Data Analytics and AI group works closely with scientists, technologists, and decision-makers (internally and externally) to implement data science (AI, ML, Statistics) solutions and initiatives that help advance their ability to observe, understand, and provide solutions and guidance around the marine environment. Operating at the intersection of data, science, technology and partnerships, the group is critical to the development of solutions and insights, grounded in trust, that accelerate the realisation of outcomes.

The Data Analytics and AI group is an innovative and agile group of data scientists (including AI/ML scientists, engineers and statisticians) that collaborate with Programs and teams across AIMS in developing insights and delivering solutions, support, and consultancies. They work on diverse projects across AIMS that range from digital products, technology solutions, short and long-term, and strategic initiatives. The team contributes to projects and initiatives across our Research Programs, Technology Development, and Research and Corporate Services.

About this 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.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential

• Advanced research background, ideally a PhD or considerable research and industry experience in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Data Science, or a quantitative marine science discipline, with demonstrated capability to deliver high level professional services within a scientific research environment by providing clear guidance, fostering positive working relationships, and ensuring alignment with organisational objectives; or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in operationalising advanced AI/ML solutions by transitioning complex models— including digital twins, simulations, Generative AI, and Scientific Machine Learning (SciML)—from research environments into reliable, production grade systems, alongside a strong understanding of digital twin concepts and their application to environmental systems, preferably within marine or oceanographic contexts.
• Demonstrated deep knowledge of modern AI techniques, including Generative AI, Scientific Machine Learning, and Physics Informed Machine Learning, applied to complex systems.
• Demonstrated ability to recognise key challenges in client engagements, accurately assess their needs, and develop tailored solutions that address conflicting requirements, taking full responsibility for client satisfaction and resolving issues promptly and constructively.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience collaborating effectively with external stakeholders and AIMS colleagues—including marine scientists, data scientists, software engineers, and AI architects—to bridge scientific and engineering perspectives, as well as the ability to apply diplomacy and discretion when managing sensitive personnel matters.

Desirable

• Experience deploying AI/ML systems using cloud‑native architectures and familiarity with AI governance, specifically responsible deployment of AI.
• Experience designing interactive dashboards and visual analytics for scientific or decision‑support applications.
• Current C Class Open Drivers Licence (or equivalent) or the willingness to obtain.

Location: Townsville (QLD) or Canberra (ACT)

Application deadline: May 27, 2026

Salary range: AUD $146,063 to $164,591 per annum

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.