Lecturer in Botany (Terrestrial)

The University of Otago is looking to appoint a Lecturer to join the Department of Botany who clearly demonstrates energy, drive and enthusiasm for botany. We seek a botanist with a research focus on the evolution of vascular plant diversity. Areas of specialisation could include, but are not limited to, micro-evolutionary processes, niche and trait evolution and adaptive radiations.

Candidates specialising in vascular plant systematics and taxonomy and who draw inspiration from ecological, evolutionary and applied questions are encouraged to apply. Candidates should have relevant expertise in current methodological tools such as modern comparative plant morphology, molecular phylogenetics and quantitative methods.

The successful candidate will be able to contribute to the Department of Botany’s strategic research themes: NZ Flora and Evolution; Ecosystem Processes and Services; Environmental Change and Resilience; and Physiological Processes. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who show an aptitude and enthusiasm for multi-disciplinary collaborative research, and who are practically experienced in terrestrial field botany. Collaboration with researchers in other University Departments (e.g. Department of Geology; Department of Mathematics and Statistics; Department of Zoology) and utilisation of the Department’s Herbarium will be encouraged.

The Department of Botany has a long record of excellence in research-informed teaching. We are looking for a botanist who will be able to communicate their enthusiasm for plants to a wide science student audience as well as those students who choose to focus on Botany as a degree subject major. The major responsibilities of the position will include (1) teaching into some of the courses within the Degree Programmes in Botany, Ecology and/or Genetics (2) attracting and supervising post-graduate (Masters and PhD) students (3) establishing an externally funded research programme and (4) building an excellent publication profile.

The position will be offered as a confirmation-path (tenure track) position at the level of Lecturer. The minimum qualification is a PhD degree. In exceptional circumstances, a favoured candidate may be appointed to a higher level if their track record, academic experience and qualifications justify.

The Department is committed to diversity in staffing and would consider job sharing arrangements.

The successful candidate is expected to take up duties in February 2014. If justified, a favoured candidate may be able to negotiate an earlier or later starting date with the Head of Department.

Applications quoting reference number 1300950 will close on Monday, 15 July 2013 (New Zealand standard time).

Application Information

To see a full job description and to apply online go to the Apply button below.

Equal opportunity in employment is University policy.

E tautoko ana Te Whare Wananga o Otago i te kaupapa whakaorite whiwhinga mahi