PRIMARY DETAIL

- Salary package: $112,550 - $127,138 (A.6 - B.1) pa (pro-rata 0.55 FTE) plus 17% superannuation
- Employment type: Part-time (2.75 days, 0.55 FTE, 19.25 hours per week), fixed term role until August 2028
- Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Drive innovative research addressing climate resilience and sustainable urban greening

Inform sustainable landscape design by combining plant performance, physiology, and functional traits

Access cutting-edge field and analytical approaches while building your academic career

THE ROLE

An exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University. We are seeking a motivated researcher to join a team with an international reputation for high-quality research in sustainable urban greening, plant functional ecology, ecophysiology and plant-water relations.

The successful candidate will contribute to developing sustainable urban greening solutions and investigating the functional responses of Australian native plants to environmental change. The research combines field experimentation, plant ecophysiology, functional trait ecology, and quantitative data analysis to improve our understanding of plant strategies across natural and urban ecosystems.

Working with the Principal Investigators Dr. Martyna Kotowska and Prof. Michelle Leishmann, the Postdoctoral Research Fellow will:

- Design and undertake field-based ecological research across urban and natural ecosystems.
- Assess tree growth, monitor irrigation infrastructure and soil moisture sensing equipment, undertake plant physiological measurements, and collect samples for functional traits.
- Apply and develop conceptual frameworks in plant functional ecology,



including plant trait economics and resource acquisition strategies.
- Prepare project reports, present research findings, and publish results in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
- Collaborate effectively with project partners including CSIRO and CELESTINO, academic researchers, urban greening practitioners, and land managers.

We look forward to hearing from applicants with demonstrated excellence in plant ecology research, strong analytical skills, and enthusiastic to contribute to innovative research.

About Us

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is a young and dynamic faculty driven by the spirit of discovery. Here we nurture the next generation of science and technology innovators. From a handful of students on the University's first day, the Faculty now serves over 8,000 students across all our courses.

The School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University was established on 1 January 2022 through the amalgamation of the Departments of Biological Sciences, Molecular Sciences, and Earth and Environmental Sciences. The School is the largest in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and is a vibrant community of educators, researchers and students working across a wide range of biological, biomolecular, biomedical, chemical, environmental and geoscience disciplines.

Essential

- A PhD in plant ecology, functional ecology, ecophysiology,



environmental biology, or a closely related discipline (awarded or under examination).
- Current work rights in Australia or eligibility to obtain an appropriate work visa.
- Robust organisational skills and the ability to lead and manage research activities independently while contributing effectively within collaborative research teams.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare scientific manuscripts and communicate research outcomes effectively.

Desirable

- Experience designing and conducting field-based ecological research (possession of driving license), including collection of plant trait or environmental data.
- Experience with plant physiological measurements, root functional ecology, or plant-water relations.
- Demonstrated understanding of plant physiological processes and plant functional trait theory, including ecological trade-offs and trait-based approaches to understanding plant strategies.
- Experience managing and analysing ecological datasets with proficiency in R or other statistical programming environments.
- A strong publication record relative to career stage, demonstrating the ability to combine field sampling, quantitative trait measurements, conceptual development, and ecological interpretation.

Applications Close: Thursday 27th of August 2026 at 11:59pm (AEST)

This role will require a police/criminal history check.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University has a goal to increase the engagement of women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from diverse backgrounds in STEMM roles. Applications are considered

Enquiries: Dr. Martyna Kotowska at .

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📌 Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Plant Functional Ecology and Urban Greening) (City of Sydney)
🏢 mq
📍 City of Sydney