• Work in a collaborative, supportive research environment contributing to globally significant marine science.
• Gain exposure to diverse activities across administration, fieldwork and research support within a world-class university setting.
• Part-time (0.6 FTE) appointment on a fixed term basis for 12 months.
• Base salary range:$77,205 – $82,011 p.a. (pro-rata) plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The School of Biological Sciences is a large, multidisciplinary School with over 80 high-calibre staff delivering world-class education and research programs to approximately 600 undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students and is responsible for the supervision of ~100 PhD students. The School is research-intensive with expertise in the disciplines of Computational Biology, Ecology & Conservation, Evolutionary Biology, Neuroscience and Science Communication. Across these disciplines, Marine Biology is an important area within the School.

The Wernberg & Filbee-Dexter Labs is a busy research group of 9 researchers and 16 HDR students specialising in many aspects of temperate reef ecology in Australia and internationally. Their primary focus is on kelp forests and seaweeds of Australia’s Great Southern Reef and understanding their functions, threats, changes and solutions to their persistence in a changing environment.

About the opportunity 

• Join a leading, research-intensive School of Biological Sciences supporting world-class marine and reef ecology research.
• Work within a dynamic research group focused on kelp forests and the Great Southern Reef, contributing to impactful environmental research.
• Play a key role in coordinating projects, logistics and administration to enable high-performing research outcomes.

About you 

• Experienced administrator with strong organisation skills and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to liaise effectively with researchers, students and stakeholders.
• Proficient in digital systems including spreadsheets, databases and document management platforms.
• Proactive and detail-oriented, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Interest or experience in science, marine biology or research environments, with flexibility to support field and lab activities.

Note: Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations.

• Occasional travel within the state may be required.
• Occasional weekend work.
• Some after-hours work may be required.
• Some physical activity including lifting and carrying may be required.
• Current “C” class driver’s licence.

Position description:  PD - Research Administration Assistant 523482.pdf

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Thomas Wernberg at thomas.wernberg@uwa.edu.au

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button. The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on June 8, 2026

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Please note: Unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted outside of formal channels.

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Learn more about us.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at people@uwa.edu.au with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.