Deep-Sea Benthic Ecologist - Earth Sciences

About the organisation

Earth Sciences New Zealand brings together science, technology, and people to help tackle environmental, climate, and natural hazard challenges across Aotearoa New Zealand. The organisation works collaboratively and with purpose to deliver science that benefits communities, industry, and the environment, while partnering with Māori, strengthening Pacific resilience, and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Role overview

This Wellington-based opportunity is for a senior researcher to join the marine benthic ecology team at the Greta Point campus, where marine and climate research is a key focus. The successful candidate will contribute strongly to scientific leadership and help expand the organisation’s research impact and funding base.

What you will do

• Drive and support research that improves understanding of New Zealand’s marine benthic ecosystems.
• Generate original research concepts and develop funding proposals for new opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver science with real-world value.
• Maintain productive partnerships with industry, public-sector agencies, and other important stakeholders.
• Offer scientific guidance and contribute to strategic work across the organisation.
• Help grow the research portfolio through successful grants, collaborations, and thought leadership.

Employment details

This is a permanent, full-time role. The standard workload is 37.5 hours per week. Flexible arrangements may be considered, including part-time options and flexible start and finish times, and these can be discussed during interview.

What you need to bring

• A PhD in Marine Biology, or a closely related discipline, together with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong research expertise in one or more of these areas: deep-sea ecology, deep-sea fisheries, benthic ecology, environmental impact assessment, risk assessment, or seabed mining impacts.
• Advanced capability in ecological methods and experimental design.
• A demonstrated track record of winning external applied-science funding and leading multidisciplinary research teams and programmes.
• Proven success in writing technical reports and publishing scientific papers in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience presenting scientific work to stakeholder groups and at scientific forums, along with experience in collaborative international research.
• Hands-on experience conducting scientific work on ocean-going research vessels, ideally in a voyage leader or chief scientist role.

Inclusive encouragement

The organisation encourages applications from talented people, including those from under-represented or neurodiverse communities, even if they do not match every listed criterion. If the role aligns with your strengths, experience, or interests, you are encouraged to apply.

What’s on offer

• Interesting, varied, and meaningful work alongside skilled colleagues in an earth science-focused organisation.
• A strong emphasis on employee development and wellbeing.
• Generous leave provisions and a range of employee benefits.
• Flexible working options that can be tailored where appropriate.
• A permanent full-time position based on a 37.5-hour week.
• Annual salary between NZD 95,000 and NZD 150,000, depending on experience.

Additional information

The organisation notes that the successful candidate should be well positioned to secure additional external research funding. Questions about the role or the application process can be directed to the contact provided in the source. Applications close on Monday, 3 August 2026.