Lecturer / Senior Lecturer, Environmental Hydrology

Opportunita; Cairns Regional; Hybrid; AUD 113,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks’ annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Parental leave

Job summary

James Cook University in Cairns invites applications for a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in Environmental Hydrology. The role combines teaching undergraduate and postgraduate programs with an internationally competitive research program, focusing on catchment processes and soil–water–vegetation interactions in tropical environments.

The successful candidate will supervise students, secure funding, collaborate with Traditional Owners, government and industry, and contribute to field-based learning

Qualifications

• PhD in environmental hydrology, environmental science or related field.
• Experience with tropical catchments and northern Australia systems.
• Applicants nearing PhD completion encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Deliver undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in environmental hydrology.
• Supervise honours and HDR students.
• Develop an internationally competitive research program.
• Collaborate with Traditional Owners, government, industry and community partners.

Skills

Catchment hydrology

Soil-water-vegetation interactions

Field-based teaching

Research leadership

Education

PhD (or near completion)

Job description

# Lecturer / Senior Lecturer, Environmental HydrologyJames Cook University Cairns, AustraliaSalary: **AUD 112,810 - 133,110 per year**Application Deadline: **November 24, 2026**Employment type: **Full time**Position Type: **Lecturer**Date Posted: **October 27, 2026**Contact Email: **[e-mail]**Research Field: **Higher Education & Research**Source details may be limitedExplicify summary## Offer SummaryJames Cook University in Cairns, Australia, seeks a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in Environmental Hydroology. This full-time, continuing role focuses on teaching and research within the College of Science and Engineering. Candidates should hold or be near completing a PhD in environmental science, hydrology, or related fields, with expertise in catchment processes and soil-water-vegetation interactions. Responsibilities include delivering undergraduate and postgraduate instruction, supervising students, and developing an internationally competitive research program. The position emphasizes field-based learning and collaboration with Traditional Owners, government, and industry partners to address tropical land and water challenges. Salary ranges from $112,810 to $157,465 AUD depending on academic level, plus 17% superannuation. Benefits include five weeks’ annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and parental leave. Applications are encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those nearing PhD completion.Generated from stored offer content. Always confirm details in the official posting.## Project Description**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 roleAs 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 responsibilitiesIn 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 youYou 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 applyClick **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 [phone] or via email [e-mail]---### Academic [e-mail]27/10/2026