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 for appointment as Senior Lecturer – Ocean & Climate Research within the Momis Ocean and Climate Research Institute (MOCRI), based in Rabaul, East New Britain Province.

The position will provide senior academic and research expertise in ocean science, climate variability and change, marine environmental science, atmospheric processes, environmental monitoring, marine conservation, pollution, and climate and disaster risk.

The successful appointee will lead and contribute to research addressing the interaction between ocean, climate and marine systems and their implications for Papua New Guinea's natural resources, islands, coastal communities and sustainable development. The position will also contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research supervision, scholarly publication and the development of collaborative research programs.

A key expectation of the role is to strengthen the University's research output and translate scientific findings into practical information that can support government, communities and other stakeholders in responding to ocean, climate and environmental challenges.

The position reports directly to the Dean – Momis Ocean and Climate Research Institute (MOCRI).

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead research in ocean science, climate variability and change, marine environmental science and related areas.
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses in ocean, climate, atmospheric and environmental sciences.
• Develop and review curricula, courses and teaching materials relevant to MOCRI's academic and research programs.
• Supervise undergraduate, honours and postgraduate research projects and mentor junior academics and emerging researchers.
• Lead and participate in multidisciplinary research projects addressing ocean-climate interactions, marine ecosystems, environmental change, pollution, conservation and climate and disaster risk.
• Undertake field-based research and contribute to the collection, analysis and interpretation of ocean, climate and environmental data.
• Publish research findings in reputable peer-reviewed and indexed journals and contribute other scholarly outputs relevant to Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.
• Present research at national and international conferences, seminars and scientific forums.
• Develop competitive research proposals and pursue external grants, consultancies and collaborative research opportunities.
• Establish research partnerships with government agencies, communities, industry, NGOs, universities and national and international research institutions.
• Work with relevant PNG government agencies and communities on ocean, climate and environmental research programs.
• Provide scientific and technical advice to government and other stakeholders on ocean, climate, marine conservation, environmental risk and sustainable resource management.
• Contribute research evidence and expertise to relevant policy discussions and submissions.
• Participate in MOCRI and University academic governance, research planning, quality assurance and administrative activities.
• Contribute to professional training, short courses, community outreach and other knowledge-transfer initiatives.

Qualifications, Experience, Skills & Experience

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A PhD in Oceanography, Ocean Science, Climate Science, Marine Science, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional, academic or research experience in ocean, climate, marine or environmental sciences.
• A demonstrated research record with five (5) or more publications in indexed peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated experience in tertiary or university-level teaching, curriculum development and student assessment.
• Demonstrated capacity to supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research and mentor emerging researchers.
• Strong research capability in one or more areas such as oceanography, ocean-climate interactions, climate variability, atmospheric science, marine environmental science, environmental monitoring, marine pollution or climate risk.
• Experience in designing and undertaking field-based and applied scientific research.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret scientific data and communicate research findings to academic and non-academic audiences.
• Experience in developing research proposals and contributing to externally funded research, consultancy or multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong academic writing, analytical, communication and project management skills.
• Ability to translate research findings into practical information and technical advice for government, communities and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and national and international research partners.
• High standards of academic integrity, professional conduct and commitment to PNGUNRE's teaching, research and community engagement responsibilities.

Strategic Research Focus

PNGUNRE is particularly interested in candidates with demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Oceanography and ocean science
• Ocean-atmosphere interactions
• Climate variability and climate change
• Marine environmental science
• Ocean and coastal monitoring
• Sea-level change and coastal impacts
• Marine ecosystems and conservation
• Ocean and marine pollution
• Climate modelling and environmental data analysis
• Extreme weather and climate-related hazards
• Climate and disaster risk management
• Island and coastal resilience
• Sustainable management of ocean and marine resources

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 take a leading role in developing ocean and climate research within the Momis Ocean and Climate Research Institute and to contribute to an area of considerable importance to Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific.

Based in Rabaul, East New Britain Province, the position provides a unique setting for research into ocean, atmospheric, island and coastal systems. The successful candidate will have opportunities to establish multidisciplinary research programs, supervise postgraduate researchers, work with government and communities, and develop national and international research partnerships.

For an established ocean or climate researcher, the position provides an opportunity to help build PNGUNRE's research capability while generating knowledge that can contribute directly to climate resilience, environmental management and sustainable development in Papua New Guinea.

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 research expertise for the position
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae, including a full list of research publications
• 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.