At Earth Sciences New Zealand, we're bringing together exceptional science, technology and people to address the environmental, climate and natural hazard challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand. As a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation, we're committed to delivering science that creates meaningful impact for communities, industry and the environment, while partnering with Māori, supporting Pacific resilience, and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.
What We’re looking for
We are seeking a motivated early career researcher to join our marine benthic ecology team at our Wellington Greta Point campus. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to nationally and internationally significant deep-sea research, working alongside leading scientists to better understand, protect and manage deep-sea ecosystems in New Zealand and the wider Pacific..
What You’ll Do
- Contribute to research that advances understanding of deep-sea marine benthic ecosystems in New Zealand and the wider Pacific.
- Work with a multidisciplinary team at Earth Sciences New Zealand to deliver impactful science.
- Manage day-to-day laboratory, analysis and publication workflows.
- Participate as needed in field sampling including sea voyages.
- Represent the organisation in workshops and conferences within the area of specialist expertise.
- Prepare client reports, material for presentations and other publications.
What you’ll bring
- A PhD in Marine Biology or a related field
- Meiofauna research experience
- Proven laboratory skills and ability to process and identify biological specimens
- Research background in one or more of the following areas: deep-sea ecology, benthic ecology, community ecology, environmental impact assessments, risk assessments,
- Skills in ecological methods and experimental design
- Proven ability to write technical reports and to publish scientific papers in international, peer-reviewed journals
- Proven ability to present science in scientific fora
- Experience with carrying out scientific work on ocean-going research vessels
We know that talented people—especially those from under represented or neurodiverse communities—sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement in a job description. If this role aligns with your strengths, lived experience, or interests, we’d love to hear from you and we’re committed to supporting your growth.
What we offer
- Varied, challenging and important work with talented colleagues in an organisation devoted to earth science.
- A high performing organisation with a focus on employee development and wellbeing
- Generous leave entitlements and employee benefits
- Flexible working options (e.g, part-time, flexible start and finish times). We are happy to discuss potential flexible options for this position at the interview stage.
- A two-year fixed term, full time (37.5 hours per week) position.
- A salary in the range of $80,000 - $90,000 depending on skills, experience and what you will bring to the role.
View the full Position Description for this position at: https://careers.sciencenewzealand.org/niwa/about-us. If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact [email protected].
Apply now
If this sounds like the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you.
Applications close on Sunday, 23 August 2026