Research Officer - GIS Officer

About this Opportunity

• Fixed-Term (until 30.06.2028), Full-Time
• Office of the Vice-President - Research
• CQUniversity Gladstone (Relocation support available)
• Total Remuneration $112,141 to $132,833 pa (including salary of $94,761 to $112,246 plus 17% superannuation and leave loading)

Join an organisation with an unbreakable belief that quality education, training and research should be available to everyone – regardless of background, location or life circumstances.

Working at CQUniversity

The Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) is seeking a Research Officer with expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and marine spatial ecology to support applied research across the southern Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Based within a leading coastal research environment, this role contributes to projects focused on ecosystem health, habitat restoration and sustainable marine resource management.

In this role, you will lead the collection and processing of large spatial datasets, integrating remote sensing and field-based data to support high-quality research outcomes. You will undertake multi-scale spatial analyses across vector, raster and imagery datasets, contributing to publications, monitoring reports and science-based assessments. You will also support data visualisation and communication of research findings to a broad range of stakeholders, including scientists, industry partners and the wider community.

Working as part of a collaborative research team, you will contribute to project delivery, support junior researchers and assist in developing research proposals and external funding opportunities. This is an exciting opportunity to apply advanced spatial analysis skills to real-world marine challenges, contributing to impactful research that informs coastal ecosystem management and restoration.

Consider a change in scenery and make the move to Regional Queensland

Make the move to Gladstone and embrace coastal living at the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. With pristine beaches, national parks and world-class marine environments nearby, the region offers an enviable lifestyle alongside a welcoming community. Best of all, our generous relocation assistance makes your move smooth, stress-free and almost cost-free.

Be Rewarded

• 17% superannuation (with the choice to join an award-winning superfund)
• 5.4 weeks annual leave (plus 3 working days paid at Christmas and New Year closure)
• 10 days personal/sick leave, plus 5 days carer’s leave
• 7.25 hours engaged service leave
• Fantastic professional and career development opportunities
• Up to 26 weeks (six months) paid parental leave
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program and Fitness Passport

Position Requirements

• Postgraduate qualification (Master’s or Doctorate) in a relevant field with demonstrated research outputs such as publications or reports.
• Proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, spatial statistics and modelling, with strong understanding of marine ecological systems.
• Experience working with complex scientific datasets, including databases, remote data access and tools such as ArcGIS or Google Earth Engine.
• Programming capability in R or Python, with ability to apply statistical and spatial analysis techniques to research problems.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with proven ability to collaborate, consult and deliver research outcomes.

Position Description

For further information about this position, please refer to the Position Description.

Apply today for a career that changes lives

Applications Close: 11:59pm, Sunday, 24 May 2026 

  
Job Requisition ID: 7277

Internal Position Title: Research Officer - Marine Spatial Ecology.

Contact Details: 

Emma Jackson

(07) 4970 7208

emma.jackson@cqu.edu.au

When submitting your application, please include: Your Current CV or Resume, and a 1-2 page Cover Letter highlighting your relevant skills, experience and suitability for the position.

CQUniversity is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and CQUniversity’s domestic and international student graduates with post-study work rights are encouraged to apply.

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