Join a team delivering bold science that supports thriving rivers, lakes, oceans and communities.

Cawthron is New Zealand’s largest independent science organisation, governed by a charitable trust and committed to creating impact. Our people work across marine and freshwater ecosystems to help respond to some of the most significant challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider Pacific.

Guided by our Science Plan, Mai i ngā Maunga ki te Moana, we focus our collective effort on supporting thriving ecosystems and communities, enabling sustainable blue growth, and managing risks to people, aquatic environments and the economy. Working at Cawthron means contributing to practical, collaborative science that supports healthy aquatic ecosystems, sustainable use of marine and freshwater resources, and resilient communities.

We employ people across a wide range of roles, including science, technical, field, laboratory, data, digital, commercial, communications, finance, operations, people and capability, and other specialist support areas.

Our work spans ecosystem restoration, environmental monitoring, aquaculture, algae and biotechnology, seafood safety, biosecurity, climate resilience, risk management, data systems, and social science that supports decision-making. Whether you are early in your career or bring deep professional expertise, you can contribute to science that supports environmental, economic, cultural and community outcomes.

If you’re interested in working with us, click the button below to see the roles we are currently advertising.

Cawthron’s workforce of around 300 people brings together a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, disciplines, skills and perspectives. That diversity strengthens our science and helps us work more effectively with the people and partners we serve.

Our Science Plan recognises that complex environmental challenges cannot be solved through single-discipline approaches. They require collaboration across knowledge systems, including mātauranga Māori, western science, local knowledge, industry expertise and community experience.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and equitable working environment where people feel respected, supported and able to contribute. This includes meeting our duty to ensure gender equality. Our Gender Equality Plan outlines this commitment, including the resources we have in place, how we collect and monitor data, and the training and awareness we offer our people.

Cawthron combines scientific excellence with a supportive, connected workplace culture.

Our people work on issues that matter, from restoring rivers, lakes, estuaries and oceans, to supporting sustainable aquaculture, improving food safety, strengthening biosecurity and helping communities adapt to environmental change. The Science Plan identifies training, talent and expertise as essential to Cawthron’s ability to lead, adapt and deliver impact now and into the future.

We support professional development, collaboration across disciplines and opportunities for people to grow their capability and leadership. We also recognise the importance of family, health and wellbeing, and aim to create a workplace where people feel they belong.

Cawthron offers life and income protection insurance benefits for eligible employees, a professional employee assistance programme and a strong commitment to health and safety.

We also value connection beyond day-to-day work. Our people take part in a wide range of sporting, social and wellbeing activities, including our flagship summer RACE programme, which encourages active living and sustainable forms of transport.

Scholarships

In addition to our Summer Scholars Programme, Cawthron offers internally funded scholarships for different periods, commonly around university summer holidays and linked to project-based science.

These scholarships give undergraduate and postgraduate students the opportunity to contribute to applied research aligned with Cawthron’s science priorities. Projects may relate to areas such as aquatic ecosystem health, restoration, environmental monitoring, aquaculture, algae, biotechnology, seafood safety, biosecurity, climate resilience, data systems or decision support.

Student jobs

Cawthron also employs high school students from time to time. These roles provide early exposure to science and research support, often through routine laboratory, field or technical tasks.

Past student roles have included a Junior Laboratory Assistant working in the Culture Collection of Microalgae and a Research Assistant supporting the Lakes 380 programme.

Guest workers

Cawthron has hosted hundreds of guest workers since our establishment. We can have up to 30 guest workers on site at any one time, with people joining us for days, months or years.

Guest workers contribute to our science, culture and wider networks. These relationships support collaboration across universities, iwi, communities, industry, government agencies and the wider science sector. Guest workers are welcomed into Cawthron activities, including talks, sporting activities and wellbeing initiatives.

Cawthron is proud to partner with the University of Auckland through the Joint Graduate Centre.

The centre gives postgraduate students the opportunity to lead applied research projects as part of the Cawthron team, while also receiving support from the University of Auckland. Students work in a unique environment where science is connected to real-world challenges and delivered through partnerships with iwi, local and central government agencies, industry and communities.

Graduates from the programme have gone on to contribute to fields including aquaculture, biosecurity, environmental genomics, algal toxins and ecotoxicology. The Joint Graduate Centre helps build capability in areas that are important for Aotearoa New Zealand’s future, including aquatic ecosystem health, sustainable blue growth, food safety, climate resilience and environmental protection.

Head to the University of Auckland’s website to find out more about the Graduate Centre, read stories from current students and graduates, and find out how to apply.