Research Technician - Aquatic Animal Health - CSIRO - GovernmentCareer - Federal

First listed on: 03 June 2018

Research Technician - Aquatic Animal Health

  • Do you want to contribute to the health of Australia's aquaculture species? 
  • Join a world-class, dedicated team at the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL)
  • Work on interesting projects with real-world application

The Position

CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) has a national and regional role in the diagnosis and research of emergency (exotic, emerging and serious) and zoonotic diseases of animals.

As the successful applicant you will be responsible for technical aspects of specific Research and Development (R&D) activities, including diagnostic testing, within the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) Fish Diseases Laboratory (AFDL).  In the role of Research Technician you will carry out a wide range of tasks including fish cell culture, agent isolation in culture, pathogen identification using molecular techniques (PCR and nucleic acid sequencing) and immunodiagnostics, and aquatic animal (finfish, molluscs and crustaceans) experimentation.

Please note: An ability and willingness to meet AAHL’s microbiological security regulations and pass a security clearance at a level appropriate to duties of the position is required.  Confirmation of appointment is subject to obtaining that clearance.

Find out more by viewing the full position description and selection criteria here:  Position description

Your duties/responsibilities will include:

  • Planning, coordinating and participating in AFDL research and diagnostic activities aimed at the identification and characterisation of infectious pathogens of finfish and aquatic invertebrates and for the development of improved diagnostic procedures.
  • Maintaining current knowledge on aquatic animal diseases of major concern to Australian aquaculture and fisheries, and on modern technologies and apply them to AFDL’s projects, as appropriate.
  • Responsibility for effectively interfacing with other members of the laboratory and/or external collaborators in the undertaking of R&D activities.
  • Providing written and data input into scientific publications, official reports and reports to industry through R&D activities
  • Being responsible for investigation of specific research/technical problems and develop appropriate response by adapting/creating and testing alternative solutions.
  • Along with other AFDL staff, be responsible for ensuring that the laboratory’s quality assurance system is maintained for aquatic animal diagnostic tests.

Location:      Geelong, VIC
Salary:          $80K - $91K plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:         Indefinite, full time
Reference:    57268

To be successful you will need:

  1. Bachelor of Science in virology, molecular biology or biotechnology, or equivalent
  2. The ability to meet Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) clearance requirements.
  3. Demonstrated theoretical and practical expertise and experience in a wide range of modern technologies applicable to the study of infectious diseases and their causative agents.
  4. A demonstrated scientific knowledge, experience and achievement in animal disease diagnosis and diagnostic test development and validation, including molecular tests and/or immunodiagnostic tests.
  5. Demonstrated ability and willingness to contribute ideas and new approaches to meet experimental needs where methods are not defined.
  6. A demonstrated ability to work co-operatively as a member of a larger project team and to network with scientific colleagues.
  7. Well-developed interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
  8. The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed research team, and carry out tasks autonomously in support of scientific research.
  9. Demonstrated ability & willingness to contribute novel ideas and approaches in support of scientific investigations.

We imagine. We collaborate. We innovate. At CSIRO, we do the extraordinary every day. We innovate for tomorrow and help improve today – for our customers, all Australians and the world. We do this by using science and technology to solve real issues. Diversity is the compass that navigates our innovation. We provide an inclusive workplace that respects, values and actively pursues the benefits of a diverse workforce.

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Talk to us about how this role could be flexible for you.  Find out more Balance 

How to Apply:  To apply, please provide a CV as well as a cover letter addressing the selection criteria in brief, and upload these as one document. If your application proceeds to the next stage you may be asked to provide additional information. 

Applications Close:  11:59pm AEST, Thursday, 28th June 2018

For the selection documentation and details on how to apply, visit www.csiro.au/careers or call 1300…show number