Research Scientist / Senior Research Scientist

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% superannuation

Flexible working arrangements

4 weeks annual leave

Annual National Park Entry Pass

Staff parking

Job summary

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) invites applications for a Research Scientist role based in Western Australia. You will undertake taxonomic and systematic research on flowering plants using morphology and molecular techniques, and communicate findings to diverse audiences.

Under SCL2/SCL3 direction you will provide scientific advice and editorial duties to support timely delivery of taxonomic information, exemplifying personal leadership to drive positive change

Qualifications

• Experience in undertaking (SCL2) or leading (SCL3) taxonomic and systematic research on flowering plants using morphological and molecular techniques.
• Broad knowledge of Western Australian or Australian flora including herbarium specimen curation.
• Ability to participate in (SCL2) or coordinate (SCL3) collaborative research teams and liaise with stakeholders.
• Strong skills in communicating research findings to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Undertakes taxonomic and systematic research to advance knowledge and conservation of Western Australian flora.
• Communicates research and information on the WA flora to a broad audience.
• Provides scientific advice and editorial support to deliver taxonomic information timely.
• Demonstrates Personal Leadership to drive positive change in the department.

Skills

Taxonomic research

Australian flora knowledge

Collaborative research leadership

Communicating research findings

Job description

Job Description

Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.

THIS IS A PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION THIS POSITION IS BASED IN KENSINGTON APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT MIDDAY ON MONDAY, 9 NOVEMBER 2026

Applied research undertaken by the Plant Science and Herbarium Program documents the diversity and investigates the conservation biology of Western Australia's flora. The Western Australian Herbarium houses the State collection of scientific specimens of vascular plants, algae, bryophytes, lichens, fungi and slime moulds. This collection is dynamic and provides the authoritative, permanent and physical record for the presence, distribution and names of plant species in Western Australia.

We are currently seeking a Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist to join our team. Under general (SCL2) or limited (SCL3) direction and guidance this position: Undertakes taxonomic and systematic research to advance knowledge and conservation of the Western Australian flora. Communicates research and information on the Western Australian flora to a broad audience. Provides scientific advice and undertakes editorial duties to support timely delivery of taxonomic information. At DBCA, we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will demonstrate Personal Leadership to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should address the following four (4) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than four (4) pages in total.

• Relevant experience in undertaking (SCL2) or conceiving and leading (SCL3) taxonomic and systematic research projects on flowering plants using morphological and molecular techniques, as appropriate.
• Broad (SCL2) or considerable knowledge (SCL3) of the Western Australian or Australian flora including experience collecting and curating herbarium specimens.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in (SCL2) or develop and coordinate (SCL3) collaborative research teams and to liaise with relevant stakeholders.
• Well-developed (SCL2) or high-level skills (SCL3) in effectively communicating research findings to a variety of audiences.

About Us

DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills. For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website .

Benefits of working with us

In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:

• Staff discounts at gyms, pools and fitness centres (where available) through the Fitness Passport program.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December.
• 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
• A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
• An annual National Park Entry Pass.
• Well-established learning and development programs.
• Free staff parking.

Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:

• A current Western Australian motor vehicle drivers licence.

Eligibility

It is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency status or a valid working visa to be appointed to this role. A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Substantive Equality Statement

DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements. Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on [phone] or [e-mail]. If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64. Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.