Chief Scientist, Australian Antarctic Division

The Chief Scientist at the Australian Antarctic Division will lead scientific research and environmental management to advance Australia's Antarctic interests. Responsibilities include overseeing a diverse research program, collaborating with national and international scientific communities, and supporting policy objectives related to the Antarctic Treaty. This leadership role is integral to delivering Australia's Antarctic Program and requires exceptional strategic leadership. The position is based in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Who we are

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). It plays a key role in advancing Australia’s national Antarctic interests through scientific research, environmental stewardship, and international collaboration. AAD is responsible for delivering Australia’s scientific research and operational activities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, guided by the Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20-Year Action Plan and the following priorities:
• Upholding the Antarctic Treaty System and strengthening Australia’s influence within it.
• Protecting the Antarctic environment.
• Advancing understanding of Antarctica’s role in the global climate system.
• Conducting scientific research of practical, economic, and national significance.

To achieve these objectives, AAD leads, coordinates, and delivers the Australian Antarctic Program, providing policy, science, operational, and support functions for Australia’s four permanent research stations in Antarctica and on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island.

The Antarctic Treaty designates Antarctica as a natural reserve dedicated to peace and science. Through its research, AAD helps Australia contribute to and uphold the Treaty’s environmental protection framework.

We provide the Australian Government with expert, science-based advice and partners with other government agencies, international counterparts, universities, states and territories, the private sector, and research institutions to deliver Antarctic science and operations.

Australia’s Antarctic science program is highly collaborative, involving more than 150 national and international research institutions. Australia also engages in joint scientific operations with other nations' Antarctic programs. Leading this effort, the Chief Scientist will require exceptional strategic leadership to shape both AAD’s work and the broader Australian Antarctic Program.

The Job

The Chief Scientist will represent the AAD and lead collaboration with the broader Australian scientific community to deliver world-class research and environmental management. This work supports Australia’s Antarctic policy objectives, including participation in the Antarctic Treaty System and other international forums.

The Chief Scientist will oversee a diverse research program, including studies in physical and life sciences across wildlife, atmospheric, terrestrial, and marine domains and human biology research. The program includes long-term observational activities such as meteorological networks, ionospheric activity monitoring, seismic and magnetic studies, GPS networks, and hydrographic and bathymetric mapping.

This role also leads the department’s engagement with national and international Antarctic science communities and will coordinate and implement research aligned with the Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan.

Working with the Head of Division and other executives, the Chief Scientist is part of AAD’s leadership team, collectively responsible for delivering a transformational agenda to advance Australia’s Antarctic Program.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Scientist will lead a high-performing team of research scientists, technical specialists, and policy coordinators to drive science that informs sound environmental policy. This role requires exceptional leadership capabilities to:
• Guide teams in delivering world-class scientific support for the Australian Antarctic Program.
• Collaborate across government, the Antarctic science community, and international Antarctic programs to drive strong research outcomes and shape policy advice.
• Represent AAD at external forums, high-level discussions, governance committees, and negotiations with key stakeholders and partner organisations.

What we are looking for

The AAD Chief Scientist will have excellent strategic leadership capabilities and credibility in leading complex multidisciplinary science programs. Their experience and capabilities will transfer to the effective strategic leadership of Australia’s Antarctic Science program.

The role requires:
• Leading the strategic direction of Australia’s Antarctic Science Program, ensuring alignment with national priorities, scientific excellence, and opportunities for impactful research.
• The ability to work collaboratively within the AAD/DCCEEW Executive and broader government to advance Australia’s Antarctic interests and deliver on the goals of the Australian Antarctic Science Program
• Extensive experience leading complex, multidisciplinary science programs with credibility in the global scientific community, including a commitment to the highest standards of environmental protection, ensuring responsible and sustainable scientific research in Antarctica.
• A compelling and engaging communicator who can articulate AAD Science's vision, value, and impact and represent the AAD in national and international scientific and policy forums, influencing decision-making and fostering collaboration.
• The ability to cultivate cooperative partnerships across science, policy, and government sectors to strengthen the impact of Australia’s Antarctic Science program.
• A proven track record of leading diverse teams, fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace and driving excellence in science, policy, and technical areas.
• A commitment to enhancing diversity in research, increasing participation from underrepresented groups, and early career researchers.
• A high level of cultural competency, including an understanding of the issues affecting First Nations people and the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• A high personal and professional credibility, demonstrating ethical leadership, resilience, and commitment to action.
• A results-oriented mindset, able to engage with risk, navigate challenges, and drive meaningful outcomes in a dynamic and high-profile environment.

A PhD in a relevant Australian University, or qualification of equivalent standard from and Australian or overseas university, or other qualifications appropriate to the duties of the position is highly desirable.

Please note that the merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of 18-months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies where the duties are of a similar nature.

Consistent with our goals of building an inclusive and diverse leadership team, we encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, nationalities and backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, mature age, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people of the LGBTIQA+ community and people with disability.

Eligibility and other requirements

Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance - This position requires a Negative Vetting 2 security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level for this role.

Pre-employment Check - Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a preemployment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.

Statement of claims

Applicants are required to submit a current CV/resume and a statement of claims (700 word maximum) outlining why you are interested in this position and why you believe that you have the skills, capabilities, knowledge and experience to be considered for this role. Please provide examples which demonstrate your ability to perform the duties of the position.

The key areas, or points, listed above describe the skills, capabilities, knowledge, and experience and where applicable the qualifications required to achieve the desired outcomes for the role and your statement of claims against these is an essential part of the shortlisting process. If shortlisted, applicants may be asked to attend an interview to provide further examples against these key areas/points to demonstrate their ability to perform the duties of the position.

Work Health and Safety Obligations

All workers (APS1-Secretary) have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety whilst at work, to ensure their acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons and to comply with any reasonable instruction given to comply with the Work Health and Safety legislation.

An Officer (EL2-Secretary) makes and participates in making decisions that affect the whole or a substantial part of the department. Employees at the SES Band 2 and above classification are considered to be Officers under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) with all EL 2 and above required to complete officer due diligence training. Officers have a duty to be proactive and continuously ensure that the department complies with relevant duties and obligations.

Contact

Name: Bronwyn Hill

Phone number: 02 6268 9711

Email address: Bronwyn.Hill@chandlermacleod.com

Closing Date

Applications close: 11:00pm AEDT on Sunday 16 March 2025

How to Apply

Apply for this role by submitting your application through our online recruitment system (eRecruit) located at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water(DCCEEW) People and Jobs. If you have any questions regarding this role, email the contact officer.

Your email is our primary method of contacting you; please make sure that the email and phone number you provide us is correct, current and accessible. We recommend applicants to not use their work email on their application for accessibility.