Postdoctoral Researcher in Deep-Sea Benthic Ecology - Earth Sciences

About Earth Sciences New Zealand

Earth Sciences New Zealand unites outstanding scientific expertise, technology, and personnel to tackle critical environmental, climate, and natural hazard issues affecting Aotearoa New Zealand. As a collaborative and mission-driven institution, we aim to deliver impactful science benefiting communities, industry, and the environment, while partnering with Māori, promoting Pacific resilience, and fostering sustainability for future generations.

Position Overview

We invite a highly motivated early-career scientist to join our marine benthic ecology group based at our Wellington Greta Point campus. This role offers the chance to participate in nationally and globally significant deep-sea ecological research, collaborating with leading experts to enhance knowledge, protection, and management of deep-sea ecosystems in New Zealand and the broader Pacific region.

Key Responsibilities

• Advance research focused on deep-sea marine benthic ecosystems within New Zealand and the wider Pacific.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver impactful scientific outcomes.
• Oversee daily laboratory activities, data analysis, and publication procedures.
• Engage in field sampling operations, including sea expeditions as required.
• Represent Earth Sciences New Zealand at workshops, conferences, and scientific forums within your area of expertise.
• Prepare technical reports, presentation materials, and contribute to scientific publications.

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD degree in Marine Biology or a related discipline.
• Experience working with meiofauna research.
• Demonstrated expertise in laboratory techniques and biological specimen processing and identification.
• Research involvement in deep-sea ecology, benthic ecology, community ecology, environmental or risk assessments.
• Competency in ecological research methodologies and experimental design.
• Proven track record in writing technical reports and publishing peer-reviewed scientific articles internationally.
• Strong presentation skills suitable for scientific conferences and workshops.
• Experience conducting research aboard ocean-going vessels.

Additional Information

We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented or neurodiverse communities. If your skills, experiences, or interests align with this role, we welcome your application and are committed to supporting your professional growth.

What We Provide

• Engaging and meaningful work alongside talented colleagues dedicated to earth science research.
• A high-performing culture focused on employee development and wellbeing.
• Generous leave policies and employee benefits.
• Opportunities for flexible work arrangements, such as part-time hours or flexible start and finish times, to be discussed during the interview.
• This position is a full-time fixed-term contract lasting two years, with 37.5 hours per week.

Application Details

For further information, please refer to the full Position Description on the Earth Sciences New Zealand careers page. Inquiries about the role or application process can be emailed to people@earthsciences.nz.

Applications must be submitted by Sunday, 23 August 2026.