Lecturer / Senior Lecturer, Environmental Hydrology

We're Hiring!

Full-time 36.25 hours per week | Continuing Appointment 

Based in Cairns

Academic Level B $112,810 - $133,110 | Academic Level C $137,166 - $157,465

17% Super, 5 weeks annual leave, leave loading plus other great benefits

• Build an internationally competitive research program addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
• Inspire the next generation of environmental scientists through practical, field-based learning.
• Collaborate with Traditional Owners, government, industry, communities and research partners.
• Advance understanding of tropical catchments, landscapes and land–water systems.

James Cook University (JCU) is seeking an emerging or established academic with expertise in environmental hydrology to join our College of Science and Engineering in Cairns.

This is an opportunity to shape teaching and research in catchment hydrology and soil–water–vegetation interactions while contributing to JCU’s established strengths in tropical land and water systems. Your work will connect scientific understanding with practical environmental management, particularly in northern Australia and tropical environments.

About the role

As a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in Environmental Hydrology, you will deliver engaging undergraduate and postgraduate teaching while developing a high-quality, internationally competitive research program.

You will contribute to teaching across Environmental Science and Management, Science and Environment programs, including lectures, practical classes, field-based learning and assessment. You will also supervise undergraduate, postgraduate and higher degree by research students, helping them develop the knowledge and practical capability to address complex environmental challenges.

Your research will strengthen understanding of environmental and hydrological processes, with opportunities to explore areas such as catchment hydrology, soil–water–vegetation interactions, water resources management, agricultural practice, water quality and climate adaptation.

Working across disciplines, you will build productive partnerships with Traditional Owners, government agencies, industry, community organisations, non-government organisations and research collaborators in Australia and internationally.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Deliver and coordinate high-quality teaching in environmental hydrology, land and water science, and related disciplines.
• Develop an impactful research program in environmental science and hydrological processes.
• Pursue competitive research funding and contribute to multidisciplinary research initiatives.
• Establish collaborative teaching and research partnerships in northern Australia, nationally and internationally.
• Supervise undergraduate research, Honours, postgraduate and higher degree by research students.
• Engage with Traditional Owners, government, industry, community organisations and research partners.
• Strengthen JCU’s visibility and reputation through professional engagement and public outreach.
• Contribute positively to the academic and collegiate life of the College.

About you

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in environmental hydrology, environmental science, earth science, physical geography or a related discipline, supported by expertise in catchment processes.

You will bring:

• Research expertise in environmental science and hydrological processes, including catchment hydrology or soil–water–vegetation interactions.
• A record of high-quality research publications relative to your career stage and opportunities.
• The capability to develop an independent, competitive and collaborative research program.
• A commitment to delivering engaging, inclusive and high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.
• Experience or demonstrated potential in supervising undergraduate, postgraduate or higher degree by research students.
• The ability to plan and deliver research, teaching and field-based activities within multidisciplinary teams.
• The ability to communicate scientific information effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• A commitment to diversity, reconciliation and an inclusive working and learning environment.

Experience in tropical or northern Australian environments, field-based teaching, quantitative analysis, spatial analysis or integrated catchment modelling will be highly regarded. We also welcome experience developing applied research partnerships or co-designing research with Traditional Owners, government, industry, non-government organisations or community groups.

Why work at JCU?

At JCU, your teaching and research can contribute directly to the environmental resilience and sustainable management of tropical landscapes and communities.

Based in Cairns, you will work in a region that provides an exceptional setting for environmental teaching, field-based learning and applied research. You will join a collaborative academic community with opportunities to build interdisciplinary partnerships and connect your research with practical environmental challenges.

JCU employees also enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Five weeks’ annual leave plus leave loading.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Up to 12 months’ paid parental leave.
• Salary packaging options.
• Paid study leave and staff development opportunities.
• Fitness Passport and health insurance discounts.
• A free Employee Assistance Program offering confidential coaching and counselling.

Thinking of applying?

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We also welcome applications from candidates in the final stages of their PhD who are interested in structured mentoring pathways. If you do not meet every listed criterion, we still encourage you to apply and demonstrate your potential.

JCU recognises that career pathways and opportunities differ. The selection panel will consider your achievements, potential and performance relative to the opportunities available to you.

If you require assistance preparing your application or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support your participation.

How to apply

Click Apply and:

• Complete the online application form.
• Upload your current résumé.
• Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience against the key requirements and how your skills will support your success in the role.

Join JCU and use your expertise in environmental hydrology to inspire students, advance tropical research and help address some of the most important land and water challenges facing northern Australia and the Tropics.

For further information please contact Professor Alana Grech on (07) 4781 4107 or via email [email protected]