Indigenous Time at Sea Studentships (ITSS)

• Studying STEM and interested in joining a research voyage to better understand Australia’s vast marine estate?
• Do you want to gain valuable, real-world at sea research experience?
• Apply for an Indigenous Time at Sea Studentship today!

The Indigenous Time at Sea Studentship (ITSS) is an initiative of the Marine National Facility (MNF) under the CSIRO Indigenous Engagement Strategy which seeks to significantly increase Indigenous employment and engagement nationally within CSIRO.  Through this strategy, CSIRO aims to enhance the educational, employment, training and career development opportunities for people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.

Funded by the Australian Government, owned and operated by CSIRO under direction of an independent Steering Committee, the MNF provides a blue-water research capability to the Australian scientific community and their international collaborators. This capability includes the research vessel Investigator.

Opportunities exist for two university students to undertake a work placement under the ITSS program during a research voyage on board the RV Investigator in 2021. Working as part of a world class research team, ITSS students will gain unique experience on an ocean research vessel to facilitate skill development and networking, while gaining exposure to methods and techniques applicable to careers in marine science and the maritime industry. The main costs of participating in the voyage, including travel to and from commencing and terminating points, accommodation and medicals, will be covered by the program.

All ITSS students will receive support while onboard and be assigned a “buddy” while at sea. ITSS students will also have regular check ins with shore-based CSIRO ITSS program staff.

Location:  RV Investigator, voyage from Fremantle, WA to Hobart, TAS

Scholarship:  Up to AU$1,622.86 per fortnight (before tax)

Duration:  approx. 4 weeks with 2 weeks on the voyage

Reference: 74850

Voyage Opportunity

IN2021_T02: 22 November – 06 December (scheduled), Fremantle to Hobart, on RV Investigator.

The research projects that are planned to take place on this voyage are:

• Australia’s Southern Tectonic Margin: Understanding how Australia and Antarctica broke-up.

Aims:

• Dredge basement ridges for virgin seafloor rock at multiple sites and assess geophysical characteristics of samples. 
• Interpret the likely formation of the seafloor’s location (continental crust, exhumed mantle and/or oceanic crust)
• Microplastics in the food chain: impact on the microbial and planktonic organisms

Aims:

• Assess volume and type of micro plastics (micro through to pico in size) present in blue waters around Australia.
• Identify their impact on microorganisms at the base of the oceanic food chain.
• ROAM-Biovis: Bioluminescence Modelling
• Atmospheric & Bathymetric Cross Training (Royal Australian Navy & Geophysical Survey & Mapping)

If you require further information about this opportunity please contact Ben Arthur via email at: Ben.Arthur@csiro.au or by phone on (03) 6232 5078.  

Eligibility

Indigenous Time at Sea Studentships are open to students who are:

• enrolled in full-time study in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) at an Australian university;
• of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
• able to pass a seagoing medical, attend pre-voyage meetings and complete additional pre-departure materials.

The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth).  This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait people.

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit diverse people and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.

About CSIRO

At CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. 

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply:

To apply for an Indigenous Time at Sea Studentship you will be required to:

1. Submit a resume in the ‘Resume/CV’ field.  Resume/CV and Cover Letter (as one document) in the ‘Resume/CV’
2. Upload your most recent academic results (or confirmation of enrolment if you have only recently commenced your studies) in the ‘Cover Letter’ field.
3. Upload evidence of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent (this can be a letter from the Indigenous Engagement Unit of your university) in the ‘Eligibility Documents’ field (this can be provided later if necessary).
4.  In the ‘Job-Specific Information’ section select ‘Not Applicable’ for Preference 1; Preference 2; and the Grade Point Average (GPA)

If you require assistance applying online call 1300 984 220 or email careers.online@csiro.au