Position Details
Research Scientist/Engineer – CSOF5
Role summary for potential applicants
Advertised Job Title:
Research Scientist - Plant molecular systematics (Australian Tropical Herbarium)
Reference Number:
3282
Classification:
CSOF5
Salary Range:
AU $92K to AU $100K plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location:
Australian Tropical Herbarium (Cairns) Queensland
Tenure:
Indefinite
Relocation assistance:
Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Australian Citizens Only
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
All Candidates
Applications are open to:

Functional Area:
Research Scientist / Engineer
% Client Focus - Internal:
100%
% Client Focus - External:
0%
Reports to the:
ANH Research Team Leader
Number of Direct Reports:
0
Role Overview:
The role of Research Scientist Staff in CSIRO is to conduct innovative research leading to scientific achievements
that are aligned with CSIRO's strategies. You may be engaged in scientific activity ranging from fundamental
research to the investigation of specific industry or community problems. You will have the opportunity to build
and maintain networks, play a lead role in securing project funds, provide scientific leadership and pursue new
ideas and approaches that create new concepts.
The Australian Tropical Herbarium is a Joint Venture between CSIRO, the State of Queensland acting through
the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation (DSITI), James Cook University (JCU) and the
Australian National Botanic Garden (ANBG). As part of an integrated build in national capability in molecular
systematics and evolutionary research we are seeking to appoint an early to mid-career scientist with interests
in undertaking research on the tropical Australian flora in the areas of molecular systematics, evolutionary
genomics and phylogeography. A grounding in collections-based science is seen as essential to this research.
This is an opportunity for a molecular systematist or evolutionary biologist with a special interest in tropical
plants and genomics to make a substantial contribution to the understanding of the Australian, and more
broadly, the worldwide flora. The position is based at the Australian Tropical Herbarium in Cairns. The appointee
will be expected to use molecular (including genomic) data in research on the systematics and evolutionary
biology of tropical Australian plants and have research strengths in phylogenetics, systematics and biogeography
and ideally with a taxon focus within the tropical flora. The appointee is also expected to interact more broadly
with colleagues in the CANBR in Canberra and JCU in Cairns to more fully integrate molecular data analyses into
ongoing research projects.
As part of the formal application process, candidates will be asked to articulate how they will use the Australian
tropical flora to address questions of broad taxonomic and evolutionary interest. See below under “Other
Information” How to Apply for more details.
Duties and Key Result Areas:

Contribute to the research output of CSIRO and the ATH particularly in relation to the systematics and
evolution of tropical Australian plants.

Develop innovative applications of molecular and genomic concepts, theories and techniques to the analysis
of evolutionary history and global change.

Under the guidance of Senior Research Scientists, work collaboratively and honestly with internal and
external colleagues, clients and partners to help define and satisfy objectives for small to medium research
projects.

Liaise with clients to determine their needs, and take personal responsibility for client satisfaction.

Actively seek support for research from state, national and international agencies.

Publish findings in peer-reviewed high-impact journals as well as developing a program of outreach and
liaison with media and the communications unit of CSIRO.

Help build CSIRO’s research collections in tropical plant diversity.

Present discoveries in a meaningful format, prepare reports for clients and write scientific papers for
publication in key journals.

Communicate effectively and respectfully in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and
enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.

Work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed research team, to undertake
independent scientific investigations and carry out associated tasks under the guidance of more senior
Research Scientists/Engineers.

Provide coaching and on-the-job training to junior team members, technical staff and students to ensure
experiments are established in accordance with research design.

Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Health, Safety and Environment plans and policies,
Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.

Other duties as directed.
Selection Criteria:
Please note: Under CSIRO policy only applicants who meet all the essential criteria can be appointed.
Pre-Requisite:
1. Education/Qualifications: A PhD and demonstrated capability in plant molecular systematics or
evolutionary genomics research, as evidenced by a strong publication and/or grant track record.
2. Publications: A solid record of quality publications in quality, peer reviewed journals.
3. Behaviours: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative
environment.
Essential Criteria:
1. A demonstrated ability to design and implement genomics research projects including the use of
appropriate bioinformatics tools.
2. High-level interpersonal (verbal and written) communication skills; and demonstrated ability to collaborate
within and across biological disciplines.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in partnership with colleagues in a multi-disciplinary research
team; to inspire peers and junior team members and have the capability to generate projects and
partnerships with colleagues and state, national and international agencies.
4. Demonstrated conceptual and practical knowledge and skills in plant systematics and collections-based
evolutionary biology research.
5. A record of science innovation and creativity plus the ability & willingness to incorporate novel ideas and
approaches into scientific investigations.
Desirable Criteria:
1. Ability to supervise the curation of a portion of the Australian Tropical Herbarium collections.
2. Postdoctoral experience.
CSIRO is a values based organisation. You will need to demonstrate behaviours aligned to our values of:
 Integrity of Excellent Science
 Trust & Respect
 Creative Spirit
 Delivering on Commitments
 Health, Safety & Sustainability
Other special requirements:
Appointment to this role may be subject to conditions including security/medical/character clearance
requirements. Applicants who are not Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents may be required to undergo
additional security clearance processes; which may include medical examinations and an international
standardised test of English language proficiency (i.e. IELTS test) - http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx
Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online via https://jobs.csiro.au/ and enter the Requisition ID 3282 where indicated.
As part of your application, you must provide a 1-page written articulation of how you will use the Australian
tropical flora to address questions of broad taxonomic and evolutionary interest. Please follow the instructions
on the advertisement and upload one document which incorporates both your CV and the one page response
as outlined above.
At any time during the recruitment process, you may be asked to provide additional information (online)
relevant to the selection criteria. If so, then responding will enhance your application so please take the time to
provide relevant succinct answers. Applicants who do not provide the information when requested may not be
considered further.
Applications close Wednesday 30 September, 2015 (11:59pm AEST)
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 984 220 and someone will be able to assist you. Outside
business hours please email: csiro-careers@csiro.au.
Referees: If you do not already have the names and contact details of two previous supervisors or academic/
professional referees included in your resume/CV please add these before uploading your CV.
Contact: If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact:
Dr Linda Broadhurst via email: Linda.Broadhurst@csior.au or phone: +61 2 6246 4988
Please do not email your application directly to Dr Broadhurst. Applications received via this method will not be
considered.
About CSIRO
Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the Commonwealth
Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills for
building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments, industries, business and
communities across the nation.
Find out more! www.csiro.au
The CSIRO National Facilities and Collections (NFC) hosts science-ready national research infrastructure for use
by Australian and other researchers, including large-scale specialised infrastructure and equipment and
scientific collections of value to conservation and research. The NFC line of business includes:
Australian Animal Health Laboratory
Astronomy and Space Science
 Australian Telescope National Facility
Australian National Research Collections
 Australian National Insect Collection
 Australian National Herbarium
 Australian National Wildlife Collection
 Australian Tree Seed Centre
 Australian National Fish Collection
 Australian National Algal Culture Collection
 ATLAS of Living Australia
Information, Management & Technology
 Pawsey Supercomputer
Marine National Facility
 Marine Research Vessel
The NFC consists of diverse capabilities but they all share the same purpose in scale, mode of use and provide
efficient, effective provisions of scientific infrastructure to the wider community.
The various Collections within the NFC, comprises staff and collections resources (traditional research
collections, cryofrozen tissues, sound, data) of the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC) and Australian
National Wildlife Collection.