• Work for a world-leading University
• Outstanding research opportunities
• Great opportunity to have work life balance in Tropical North Queensland

We currently have two positions available to join our world-leading institution at James Cook University (JCU).  

• Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow - continuing appointment
• Postdoctoral Research Fellow – fixed term appointment for 3 years

Both positions are based at the Cairns campus in picturesque tropical north Queensland, where you can enjoy a laid back tropical lifestyle whilst still achieving your career goals.

About the positions

Together these positions will build a leading, internationally recognised research programme thatcontributes to the Australian Tropical Herbarium’s (ATH) and JCU’s plant science research portfolio and to the strategic goals of the ATH joint venture partners.  The successful applicants will deliver high impact science across output domains that include plant and environmental biosecurity (priority area), ethnobotany, and/or biology of wild crop relatives that meets the needs of stakeholders in northern Australia and the broader tropical world. Outstanding scientists with a proven track record in any of these output domains are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key duties:

• In collaboration with other researchers, students and individually contribute to an active research program in Plant Science with a focus on plant and environmental biosecurity, ethnobotany, and/or biology of wild crop relatives
• Apply for grants to government, non-government organisations and/or industry, and develop partnerships with external stakeholders.
• Enhance the visibility and reputation of JCU and the ATH joint venture partners through active participation in public outreach activities.

About you

With a PhD qualification and postdoctoral experience in plant science, ecology or a related field with evidence of significant research outputs, you will demonstrate success in competitive research grants and/or industry funding.

You will also:

• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Have a proven track record of excellent publications in quality, peer reviewed international journals.
• Exhibit innovation and creativity in science together with the ability and willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations.

About the Australian Tropical Herbarium

A joint venture of the CSIRO, Australian and Queensland Governments and James Cook University, the Herbarium sits within the College of Science & Engineering within the Division of Tropical Environments and Societies.

With research activities covering a range of topics including tropical plant and fungal taxonomy and evolution, ethnobotany, ecology, climate change studies, development of identification tools, and regional ecosystem mapping, the Herbarium boasts state of the art facilities and infrastructure for field, collections-based and laboratory research.

Why JCU?

Consistently ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, JCU is one of the world’s leading institutions focussing on the tropics and offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth.  JCU prides itself on being dedicated to teaching, learning and research that is not only of high quality, but also delivers practical benefits to the peoples and industries of the region.

The positions are based at JCU’s Cairns campus. Cairns is a small, modern tropical city, with a busy international airport connecting to Asia and the world, and with a vibrant multicultural community. Ideally positioned adjacent to two World Heritage properties - the Great Barrier Reef, and Wet Tropics Rainforests – JCU’s Cairns campus offers unrivalled opportunities for tropical biological research including access to an enormous diversity of tropical land- and seascapes that are among the best preserved on the planet. The region also boasts a great diversity of tropical agricultural industries.

JCU also offers:

• generous superannuation scheme with 17% employer contributions
• ongoing professional and career development
• five weeks’ annual recreation leave
• attractive options for salary packaging
• well-equipped, modern facilities including on-campus gym
• balance of work and life so you can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle that supports a diverse range of leisure and sporting interests

How to Apply

To apply for either position, click on the ‘apply now’ button to be taken to JCU’s career page where you can find out more information and download a PD and application instructions. 

Vacancy Numbers:

16248 – Postdoctoral Research Fellow

16249 – Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow

Applications close: 1 March 2018