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• Temporary contract until December 2025 (with possible extensions)
• Part-time hours (3 days/week)
• Based at Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan (with flexible work options)
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $73,522 to $113,562 + super

The role
This role is all about getting hands-on in the lab and behind the screen to support plant and fungi research—specifically focusing on bryophytes like mosses and liverworts. You'll carry out molecular lab work, analyse DNA data, and help make sure our scientific understanding of these plants is current and accurate, and reflected in the collections. You’ll also contribute to scientific papers and reports, working with researchers across Australia and around the world.

It’s a role where you’ll need to be detail-focused and solutions-oriented, especially when troubleshooting lab or data issues on the fly. You’ll help train others in lab techniques, ensure samples and records are well maintained, and make a real impact on how these tiny but important plants are understood and preserved.

Please note: The Mount Annan office is not easily accessible by public transport. You will need to arrange your own transport.


For more information read the full Role Description: Project Officer Plant Molecular


What you will bring to the role

• Experience in plant systematics, taxonomy and nomenclature, with a sound understanding of plant relationships—ideally including bryophytes (mosses and liverworts).
• Experience in scientific curation of herbarium collections. 
• Strong scientific and analytical skills, with the ability to conduct DNA-based research and contribute to scientific writing, reports, and grant applications.
• Experience writing scientific papers to communicate research findings
• Confident using molecular lab techniques and analysing data with relevant bioinformatics tools and software.
• Great communication and interpersonal skills—you’re comfortable presenting in meetings, sharing knowledge, and working closely with a wide range of collaborators.
• A team player who enjoys supporting others, with the ability to supervise and mentor interns, students, and volunteers in a research or lab setting.
• Curious, detail-focused, and committed to keeping up with the latest scientific approaches and applying them in a practical, hands-on way.

What is an essential requirement:

• Qualifications in accordance with the Scientific Officers, Various Departments Agreement No. 2433 of 1982, along with tertiary qualifications in relevant discipline and demonstrated experience in molecular systematics laboratory procedures.
• Current Australian Class 1A Driver's Licence with ability to operate manual vehicles.

 

About us
Botanic Gardens of Sydney, under the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, is Australia’s oldest scientific institution and a custodian of over $1.2 billion in cultural, heritage, and botanical collections. As the premier botanical research institute, we encompass world-leading botanic gardens and Sydney’s leading outdoor live entertainment precinct. We engage international, national, and regional visitors, making us a leading entity in the NSW tourism sector.

Learn more about the innovative plant research and global collaborations led by our team - Plant discovery and evolution | Botanic Gardens of Sydney


Join us
If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close 11.55pm on Sunday 13^th July 2025.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Hannah Mcpherson on 02 4631 5111 or Hannah.McPherson@botanicgardens.nsw.gov.au.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. 

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 6363 7676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.