Rodent Ecologist - CSIRO - GovernmentCareer - Federal

First listed on: 12 October 2018

Rodent Ecologist 

  • Are you a research scientist with skills in rodent ecology?
  • Use your skills to reduce crop damage and increase farmer profitability
  • Join CSIRO – Australia’s premier science & technology research organisation
The Position:  

This is an exciting opportunity for an early career, highly motivated research scientist with skills in rodent ecology to join the Invasive Animals Team of the Health and Biosecurity Business Unit of CSIRO.

The role of a Research Scientist in CSIRO is to conduct innovative research leading to scientific achievements that are aligned with CSIRO's strategies. You will be engaged in scientific activities to develop approaches to critically examine the effect of farming practices on mouse ecology, to reduce crop damage and increase farmer profitability. Career development will require broadening your research portfolio by identifying new opportunities and securing new funding for projects that deliver on CSIRO’s strategy. You will have the opportunity to build and maintain networks, provide scientific leadership and pursue new ideas and approaches that create new concepts.

Your duties will include:

  • Devise strategy and assume scientific responsibility for research and interpreting results to deliver on project-related outputs.
  • Undertake field-based research (including experimental design and data analysis) to deliver on project-related outputs.
  • Incorporate novel approaches to scientific study by adapting and/or developing original concepts and ideas into existing and future research.
  • Produce high quality scientific papers suitable for publication in high quality international journals, for client reports, and for presentation at national and international conferences.
  • Liaise with the grains industry and growers to discuss farm management practices. Give presentations to farmers and seek feedback about further research directions.
  • Interact positively or work collaboratively with internal and external colleagues, partners and customers to build productive relationships and collaborations regionally, nationally and internationally, to enhance impact of the science or create new business opportunities.

                                                                            

Location:  Black Mountain ACT
Salary:      AU $97K to AU $105K plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:     Specified Term 3 years (with option for 2 additional years)
Ref no:      58799

To be considered you will have:

  • A doctorate or equivalent research experience in vertebrate pest ecology, preferably on rodents in agricultural systems.
  • Demonstrated theoretical, conceptual and practical knowledge with planning and running large-scale vertebrate pest ecology field experiments to test hypotheses.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead projects or components of large multi-disciplinary projects and secure external funding for projects focused on delivering science-based solutions for stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated experience with planning and undertaking field work (trapping, handling, measuring, assessing) and experience with a range of techniques to study macro-level habitat use (e.g. radio-tracking) and micro-habitat use (e.g. spool-and-line tracking), camera trapping, and diet analysis (e.g. using stable isotopes).
  • Experience with writing animal ethics and human research ethics proposals and familiarity with relevant codes of practice.
  • Experience in using databases (e.g. MS Access), data graphic (e.g. SigmaPlot) and undertaking statistical analysis (e.g. R statistical environment).

To see all the criteria required for success in this role, click on the ‘Position Details’ link below. Apply today! Position Details 

About CSIRO

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 - CSIRO

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

CSIRO Health and Biosecurity

We're dedicated to conducting scientific research that develops products and services to address the complexity and interdependencies of human, animal and environmental health and biosecurity challenges to provide benefits to Australia and the world.

How to apply: Please load one document containing your CV and a brief cover letter which outlines your experience as relevant to the role and your motivations for applying (Maximum 2MB). At the end of the online application process, you may be required to respond to some screening questions. 

Applications close: Wednesday 7 November, 2018