Chief Scientist
As Chief Scientist you will be responsible for working with CSIRO and CAPSTAN staff to design and formalise the voyage program, including the teaching schedule for the pre-voyage workshops and at-sea training program.
This process will commence approximately 6 months prior to voyage departure. You are responsible for engaging with the team of trainers during the planning process to communicate opportunities and expectations and develop an integrated approach to the at sea science and training.
You will form part of the Senior Management team on the voyage and will have regular meetings with the CSIRO Voyage Manager, CAPSTAN Director and RV Investigator Master to safely and successfully deliver the voyage objectives. You will direct and oversee the activities of the science party on board. You are required to positively engage with staff to complete the on-boarding tasks required of all voyage participants in preparation for the voyage.
This position is not paid. If you are from a subscribing organisation, the CAPSTAN program will cover the cost of your travel to and from the city of departure and arrival, as well as your accommodation for the period of the program.
Eligibility
- Affiliated with an Australian University, research organisation or industry partner at the time of the voyage.
- Ability to pass a sea-going medical.
Trainers
As a CAPSTAN trainer, you will deliver pre-voyage and on-board training for students under the guidance of the Chief Scientist and CAPSTAN Director. This includes working with the CAPSTAN team to design the teaching and training activities in advance of the voyage.
Throughout the voyage you will participate in meetings and attend student presentations. You are required to positively engage with staff to complete the on-boarding tasks required of all voyage participants in preparation for the voyage.
This position is not paid. If you are from a subscribing organisation, the CAPSTAN program will cover the cost of your travel to and from the city of departure and arrival, as well as your accommodation for the period of the program.
Eligibility
- Affiliated with an Australian University, research organisation or industry partner at the time of the voyage.
- Ability to pass a sea-going medical.
Current voyage opportunities
A combined application round will be held for the next two CAPSTAN voyages: CAPSTAN 05 and CAPSTAN 06. Details for each voyage are provided below.
Applications will open on Tuesday 1 July 2025.
Applications are invited from interested students and trainers including a voyage Chief Scientist.
CAPSTAN 05 and CAPSTAN 06 APPLICATION CALL
OPEN: Tuesday 1 July 2025 at 12:01 AM AEST
CLOSE: Monday 1 September 2025 at 11:59 PM AEST
CAPSTAN 05
- Fremantle to Hobart - 12 days
- Departs: 23 April 2026 (Fremantle)*
- Arrives: 4 May 2026 (Hobart)
* Participants will be required to be in Fremantle by 19 April 2026.
CAPSTAN 06
- Brisbane to Fiji - 10 days
- Departs: 17 September 2026 (Brisbane)*
- Arrives: 26 September 2026 (Fiji)
* Participants will be required to be in Brisbane by 13 September 2026.
Apply for CAPSTAN
- Create your account in the Marine Facilities Planning (MFP) portal, and
- Select the CAPSTAN section and complete your application.
Apply to be a CAPSTAN Chief Scientist or trainer [via MFP Portal]
Chief Scientist
As Chief Scientist you will be responsible for working with CSIRO and CAPSTAN staff to design and formalise the voyage program, including the teaching schedule for the pre-voyage workshops and at-sea training program.
This process will commence approximately 6 months prior to voyage departure. You are responsible for engaging with the team of trainers during the planning process to communicate opportunities and expectations and develop an integrated approach to the at sea science and training.
You will form part of the Senior Management team on the voyage and will have regular meetings with the CSIRO Voyage Manager, CAPSTAN Director and RV Investigator Master to safely and successfully deliver the voyage objectives. You will direct and oversee the activities of the science party on board. You are required to positively engage with staff to complete the on-boarding tasks required of all voyage participants in preparation for the voyage.
This position is not paid. If you are from a subscribing organisation, the CAPSTAN program will cover the cost of your travel to and from the city of departure and arrival, as well as your accommodation for the period of the program.
Eligibility
- Affiliated with an Australian University, research organisation or industry partner at the time of the voyage.
- Ability to pass a sea-going medical.
Trainers
As a CAPSTAN trainer, you will deliver pre-voyage and on-board training for students under the guidance of the Chief Scientist and CAPSTAN Director. This includes working with the CAPSTAN team to design the teaching and training activities in advance of the voyage.
Throughout the voyage you will participate in meetings and attend student presentations. You are required to positively engage with staff to complete the on-boarding tasks required of all voyage participants in preparation for the voyage.
This position is not paid. If you are from a subscribing organisation, the CAPSTAN program will cover the cost of your travel to and from the city of departure and arrival, as well as your accommodation for the period of the program.
Eligibility
- Affiliated with an Australian University, research organisation or industry partner at the time of the voyage.
- Ability to pass a sea-going medical.
Current voyage opportunities
A combined application round will be held for the next two CAPSTAN voyages: CAPSTAN 05 and CAPSTAN 06. Details for each voyage are provided below.
Applications will open on Tuesday 1 July 2025.
Applications are invited from interested students and trainers including a voyage Chief Scientist.
CAPSTAN 05 and CAPSTAN 06 APPLICATION CALL
OPEN: Tuesday 1 July 2025 at 12:01 AM AEST
CLOSE: Monday 1 September 2025 at 11:59 PM AEST
CAPSTAN 05
- Fremantle to Hobart - 12 days
- Departs: 23 April 2026 (Fremantle)*
- Arrives: 4 May 2026 (Hobart)
* Participants will be required to be in Fremantle by 19 April 2026.
CAPSTAN 06
- Brisbane to Fiji - 10 days
- Departs: 17 September 2026 (Brisbane)*
- Arrives: 26 September 2026 (Fiji)
* Participants will be required to be in Brisbane by 13 September 2026.
Apply for CAPSTAN
- Create your account in the Marine Facilities Planning (MFP) portal, and
- Select the CAPSTAN section and complete your application.
Apply to be a CAPSTAN Chief Scientist or trainer [via MFP Portal]