Classification: Academic Level B
Salary package: $121,598 to 137,870 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Term: Full Time, Fixed Term (up to June 2030)
Position Description and Selection Criteria: PD_PEWER_2025 - Research Fellow - Academic Level B.pdf
The Position
The candidate will be part of the ANU Phylogenomics Group, which is a productive and vibrant research group that works on a variety of topics connected to phylogenetic software, methods and models, molecular evolution, hybridisation and introgression, and the evolutionary histories of eucalypts, viruses, bacteria, and Archaea. The ANU Phylogenomics group is co-led by Professor Robert Lanfear and Associate Professor Minh Bui (the lead developer of IQ-TREE) and typically comprises 10-15 researchers at all levels from undergraduate to postdoctoral fellows.
Your involvement in this exciting field will include taking a lead role in developing and implementing new methods and software to improve phylogenetic inference. The focus will be on developing new mixture models and implementing them efficiently so they can be used to estimate very large phylogenies. You will have significant freedom to develop and pursue your own research ideas within the scope of the project and will be supported in applying for external funds and fellowships, and in contributing to relevant teaching opportunities to further develop your career. You will be expected to take a lead role on projects, including co-supervising research students, developing internal and external collaborations, and presenting your work at national and international conferences. You will be expected to develop and run workshops to introduce your work to end users.
For further detail on the Lanfear Lab, our ideals and goals please visit our webpage: http://biology.anu.edu.au/research/labs/lanfear-lab-mutation-molecular-evolution-and-phylogenetics
The Person
You will need to have a detailed understanding of cutting-edge methods and algorithms in maximum-likelihood phylogenetic inference, as well as the skills to develop new methods and write efficient open-source software to implement them in the IQ-TREE software. A record of recent publications in this area and a demonstrated commitment to open-source software development will aid in the success of your application. You will also need to have experience in supervising research students and applying for external grants and fellowships. Full details of the role are provided in the selection criteria.
If you have expertise across these fields and want to lead the development of new ideas, methods, and software you should apply.
The School
The Research School of Biology is devoted to the study of biological processes in plants, animals and humans. It is home to over 60 academics and their research groups, which for purposes of research support and administration are subdivided into the three Divisions: Ecology and Evolution; Plant Science; and Biomedical Science and Biochemistry. You will be based in the division of Ecology and Evolution, which houses research groups that run the gamut from behavioural ecology to genomics. RSB, and the Division of Ecology and Evolution, are friendly and supportive places to work, and offer a stunning working environment both professionally and geographically.
The College
The ANU College of Science and Medicine encompasses the disciplines of: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environment and Society, Mathematics, Physics, and Science Communication and is also home to a number of cross-disciplinary and specialist Institutes and Centres. Staff and students within the ANU College of Science and Medicine conduct research and deliver a research-led education program that encompasses the breadth of the sciences, supported by extensive international networks and by world-class facilities.
To find out more about the Science at ANU community, follow us on social media at Instagram and Facebook
For further information please contact, Robert Lanfear, E: ***********@anu.edu.au
The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on ***************@anu.edu.au
ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to people of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, click here. For enquiries about the application process, or if you require reasonable adjustment to apply for this role, please contact the hiring manager on the above listed details.
Application information
In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:
* A statement addressing each of the selection criteria.
* A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees, you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.
* Other documents, if required.
Applications which do not address the selection criteria individually may not be considered for the position.
Please note: The successful candidate must have rights to live and work in this country and will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process. An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.
Closing date: Tuesday, 24/03/2026, 11.55PM (AEDT)