Senior Lecturer – Island & Marine Resources

Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment (PNGUNRE)

About the University

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 Role

PNGUNRE invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced academics and professionals for appointment as Senior Lecturer – Island & Marine Resources within the Momis Ocean and Climate Research Institute (MOCRI), based in Rabaul, East New Britain Province.

The position will strengthen PNGUNRE's teaching, research and professional capability in ocean and marine science, island and coastal resource management, climate variability, marine conservation, environmental pollution, and climate and disaster risk management.

The successful appointee will contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, lead and participate in applied research, supervise student research, publish scholarly work, and build productive partnerships with government, industry, communities and research institutions. The position will also contribute scientific and technical expertise to national and provincial efforts addressing the environmental and climate challenges affecting Papua New Guinea's islands, coastal communities and marine resources.

The Institute's framework places particular emphasis on strengthening oceanographic observations, climate-related data systems, modelling, forecasting and early-warning capability, while integrating scientific, socioeconomic and traditional knowledge into risk management and decision-making.

The appointee will report to the Dean of MOCRI.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses in ocean and marine science, island and coastal resource management, environmental science, climate science and sustainable development.
• Develop, review and deliver course materials, practical activities and field-based learning relevant to the Institute's academic and research priorities.
• Supervise undergraduate research projects and contribute to honours and postgraduate research supervision.
• Develop and undertake applied research in ocean and climate variability, marine and coastal ecosystems, island sustainability, environmental pollution, conservation, environmental governance and disaster risk.
• Publish research in recognised peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences and professional forums.
• Develop competitive research proposals and pursue research grants, consultancy opportunities and collaborative projects.
• Organise and supervise student fieldwork, practical activities and research in island, coastal and marine environments.
• Promote research and capacity-building opportunities for women and communities involved in marine, coastal and island resource management.
• Establish productive partnerships with government agencies, provincial administrations, communities, private sector organisations, NGOs, universities and research institutions.
• Provide scientific and technical advice supporting national and provincial policies and initiatives relating to oceans, climate change, marine resources, environmental safeguards and sustainable development.
• Contribute to professional training, short courses, community outreach and flexible learning programs.
• Participate in MOCRI and University academic governance, quality assurance, planning and administrative activities.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A PhD in Ocean Science, Marine Science, Marine Resource Management, Climate Science, Environmental Science, Coastal and Island Studies, or a closely related discipline.
• At least five (5) years of relevant academic, research, government, industry or professional experience in ocean, marine, climate or environmental fields.
• Demonstrated capability in university-level teaching, curriculum development and field-based learning.
• Demonstrated research capability relevant to island, coastal and marine environments, supported by scholarly publications, conference presentations or significant applied research.
• Sound knowledge of ocean and marine conservation, climate change, environmental management, pollution, climate and disaster risk, and sustainable resource development.
• Understanding of Papua New Guinea's ocean, climate, environmental and sustainable development policy environment.
• Capacity to develop research proposals, attract external research funding and participate in multidisciplinary research and consultancy projects.
• Ability to supervise student research and undertake field-based work involving coastal, island and community environments.
• Strong research, analytical, project management, communication and academic writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with government, industry, communities and national and international research partners.
• Commitment to professional integrity, teamwork and the responsible and sustainable management of Papua New Guinea's marine and island resources.

Strategic Research Focus

PNGUNRE is particularly interested in candidates whose expertise can contribute to the Institute's priority areas, including:

• Ocean and marine sciences
• Island and coastal resource management
• Marine ecosystems and biodiversity conservation
• Ocean and climate variability
• Sea-level rise and coastal vulnerability
• Coastal and island community resilience
• Marine and environmental pollution
• Environmental governance and policy
• Climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction
• Sustainable use of marine resources
• Oceanographic monitoring, modelling and early-warning systems
• Blue carbon and ocean sustainability

Salary Range

Senior Lecturer
Base Salary: PGK53,663.00 – PGK65,586.00 per annum
International Market Allowance: PGK52,062.00 – PGK63,354.00 per annum
(plus applicable allowances and benefits)

Why Join PNGUNRE?

This appointment offers an opportunity to contribute to the development of the Momis Ocean and Climate Research Institute as an emerging centre for ocean and climate research, postgraduate training, policy engagement and practical responses to some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.

Based in Rabaul, East New Britain Province, the position provides a unique environment for field-based research into island, coastal and marine systems and for working directly with communities exposed to climate and environmental change.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build multidisciplinary research programs and national and international partnerships while contributing to PNGUNRE's growing research profile and Papua New Guinea's capacity in ocean science, climate resilience and sustainable marine resource management. The Institute's framework specifically seeks to strengthen international partnerships and improve access to bilateral, multilateral and climate-related research resources.

Living and Working in East New Britain

East 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 Details

Interested applicants should submit:

• A cover letter addressing suitability and relevant expertise for the position
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae, including research publications and relevant professional experience
• 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: [email protected]

Closing Date: Friday, 09 October 2026

PNGUNRE is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates. This position is open to both Papua New Guinean and international applicants.