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• Temporary contract until May 2027
• Part-time hours (4 days/week)
• Based at National Herbarium of NSW – located at Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $73,522 to $113,562 + super

The role
In this role, you’ll lead innovative research into the Cyperaceae plant family, focused on developing a comprehensive phylogeny of the large genus Lepidosperma (probably the 6^th largest genus in Australia). Lepidosperma is particularly diverse in the SW Australian biodiversity hotspot, with many locally endemic species. The project will utilise raw genomic skimming data for 450 samples, to be mapped to an existing genome for the genus, to extract and analyse low-copy nuclear markers and plastomes for phylogenetic reconstruction. This will inform taxonomic revision of the genus and interpretation of morphological characters.

Lepidosperma exhibits complex genetic processes, including ploidy shifts, hybridisation between polyploids, and seed apomicts, offering many opportunities for more in-depth analyses of genetic diversification and speciation processes. It also appears to have a relatively low extinction rate based on long generation times and landscape persistence. You will lead all phylogenomic analyses and collaborate on interpretation of results and writing publications (as lead author) while ensuring everything stays on track, on time, and within budget.

You'll work independently and bring creative thinking to solve research challenges as they arise. Your expertise with molecular genetics, phylogenomic analyses, fieldwork, and plant taxonomy will be key to pushing the project’s goals forward and sharing important findings with the scientific community and beyond. This project is based on grant funding from the Australian Biological Resources Study, led by Dr Russell Barrett, in collaboration with Francis Nge, Karen Wilson and Jeremy Bruhl.

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: Scientific Officer, Cyperaceae Research

What you will bring to the role

• Hands-on experience with plant molecular genetic techniques, including DNA sequencing, genotyping, and analysing complex genetic and evolutionary data.
• High-level skills in analysing genomic datasets, including genome skimming and working against reference genomes.
• Excellent record management skills and experience using a range of software tools to manage and analyse genetic data.
• Field experience collecting plant material for biodiversity research, with a strong understanding of fieldwork best practices.
• A proven ability to prepare scientific publications and deliver research findings to both specialist and general audiences.
• A postgraduate research background, with a strong passion for understanding plant relationships and independently advancing scientific knowledge.

What is an essential requirement:

• Tertiary qualification in Biological Science.

 

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 Wednesday 21^st May 2025.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Russell Barrett on (+61) 02 4631 5127 or Russell.Barrett@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'.