Associate Professor – Oceanography & Marine Science

The Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment (PNGUNRE) is a specialised national institution mandated to advance education, research, innovation, and community engagement in sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, environmental stewardship, and applied development disciplines.PNGUNRE operates across four locations:Vudal Main Campus (East New Britain Province) – home to the University's core teaching, research and administrative functions. Takubar Campus (Kokopo, East New Britain Province) – host of Postgraduate Programs and the Department of Business & Economics. Popondetta Campus (Oro Province) – focused on agricultural training, applied learning and community development initiatives. Momis Ocean and Climate Research Institute (MOCRI), Rabaul (East New Britain Province) – PNGUNRE's specialist hub for ocean and climate research, environmental monitoring, climate resilience, sustainable development, and national and international research collaboration. The University emphasises practice-oriented teaching, field-based learning, applied research, and strong partnerships with government, industry, communities and international institutions. Through its teaching, research and outreach activities, PNGUNRE develops graduates, knowledge and practical solutions that contribute to sustainable development in Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific region.About the RolePNGUNRE invites applications from accomplished academics and researchers for appointment as Associate Professor – Oceanography & Marine Science within the Momis Ocean and Climate Research Institute (MOCRI), based in Rabaul, East New Britain Province.This is a senior academic and research leadership position responsible for advancing the University's capability in oceanography, marine science, ocean and climate interactions, marine resource management, climate change and responsible sustainable development.The successful appointee will provide leadership in research, postgraduate supervision, teaching, curriculum development and professional engagement. A major focus of the position will be developing high-quality research programs that respond to the ocean, climate and marine environmental challenges facing Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.The Associate Professor will also mentor academic and research staff, build productive partnerships with government and the private sector, attract research funding and postgraduate opportunities, and strengthen MOCRI's national and international research profile.The position reports directly to the Dean – Momis Ocean and Climate Research Institute (MOCRI).Key ResponsibilitiesProvide senior academic and research leadership in oceanography, marine science, climate change and sustainable marine resource management. Develop and lead multidisciplinary research programs addressing ocean, climate, marine and environmental issues relevant to Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses and contribute to the development and review of programs in ocean, marine and environmental sciences. Provide leadership in curriculum development and ensure programs remain academically rigorous, relevant and responsive to emerging scientific and national development priorities. Supervise Master's and PhD research and provide academic mentorship to junior academics and emerging researchers. Maintain a strong research publication profile through reputable peer-reviewed journals, books, book chapters and other recognised scholarly outputs. Present research at significant national, regional and international conferences and scientific forums. Develop competitive research proposals and secure external research grants, consultancies and collaborative projects. Build strategic research partnerships with PNG Government agencies, bilateral and multilateral partners, universities, research institutions, industry and communities. Contribute scientific and professional expertise to government policy and programs relating to oceans, climate change, environmental management and sustainable development. Promote the application of ocean and marine science to conservation, resource management, environmental safeguards and climate resilience. Provide leadership and mentoring to academic staff and contribute to monitoring and strengthening academic and research performance. Contribute to MOCRI and University planning, academic governance, quality assurance and administration. Develop opportunities for postgraduate scholarships, research fellowships, student exchanges and collaborative research. Represent PNGUNRE and MOCRI in relevant professional bodies, government forums and national and international research networks. Contribute to professional training, short courses, community outreach and flexible learning initiatives. Qualifications, Experience, Skills & ExperienceApplicants must demonstrate:A PhD in Oceanography, Marine Science, Ocean Science, Marine Resource Management, Climate Science, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable Development, or a closely related discipline. Ten (10) or more years of relevant professional, academic and/or research experience, with substantial experience in ocean, marine, climate or environmental science. A strong scholarly record with ten (10) or more publications in recognised peer-reviewed journals. Substantial university-level teaching and research experience appropriate for appointment at Associate Professor level. Demonstrated experience in supervising Master's and/or PhD research students. Evidence of research leadership, including experience leading research teams, multidisciplinary projects or major research initiatives. Demonstrated expertise in oceanography and marine science, with complementary knowledge in areas such as climate change, marine resource management, environmental science or sustainable development. Demonstrated capacity to develop successful research proposals and attract external grants, consultancy projects or collaborative research funding. Strong understanding of environmental and sustainable development policies, laws and institutional arrangements relevant to Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. Ability to translate scientific research into policy advice, environmental management strategies and practical outcomes for government, industry and communities. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain partnerships with government, research institutions, development partners and other stakeholders. Strong academic leadership, communication, mentoring and organisational skills. Experience working in Papua New Guinea, the Pacific or other developing-country environments would be highly regarded. Knowledge of relevant multilateral environmental agreements and sustainable development frameworks would be an advantage. High standards of academic integrity, professional conduct and commitment to PNGUNRE's teaching, research and community engagement responsibilities. Salary RangeAssociate Professor Base Salary: PGK66,465.00 – PGK81,235.00 International Market Allowance: PGK74,371.00 – PGK95,483.00 (plus applicable allowances and benefits)Why Join PNGUNRE?This appointment provides an opportunity for an established academic and researcher to take a leading role in strengthening oceanography and marine science at the Momis Ocean and Climate Research Institute.Based in Rabaul, East New Britain Province, the position provides a strong setting for ocean, island, coastal and climate-related research with direct relevance to Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. The Associate Professor will have considerable scope to develop a research portfolio, build postgraduate capacity, mentor emerging academics and establish collaborations with government, industry and national and international research institutions.The position would particularly suit a researcher seeking to combine academic leadership with applied research and policy impact, while helping build MOCRI into a strong platform for ocean and climate research in Papua New Guinea.Living and Working in East New BritainEast New Britain offers a distinctive lifestyle alongside the professional opportunities available at PNGUNRE. The province is one of Papua New Guinea's established tourism destinations, known for its volcanic landscapes, tropical islands and coastlines, diving and snorkelling, rich cultural traditions, and significant World War II history. Rabaul and Kokopo provide access to places such as the Duke of York Islands, volcanic sites around Rabaul, historic war sites, beaches and marine environments. For academics and researchers, East New Britain's natural environment also provides an exceptional setting for field-based teaching and research in agriculture, marine and coastal systems, climate, biodiversity, environmental management and sustainable development. Beyond work, staff can experience the province’s culture, islands, reefs, outdoor activities and community life. Application DetailsInterested applicants should submit:A cover letter addressing suitability, academic leadership and research experience relevant to the position A detailed Curriculum Vitae, including a full list of publications and postgraduate research supervision Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications Names and contact details of three (3) referees Applications must be addressed to:The Manager – Human Resources Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment Vudal Campus, East New Britain Province Email: recruitment@unre.ac.pgClosing Date: Friday, 09 October 2026PNGUNRE is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates. This position is open to both Papua New Guinean and international applicants.