Research Scientist - Translational Genomics - [Archived Advertisement]

The Opportunity

• Use your skills to develop molecular tools for population & functional genomics 
• Be part of a team safeguarding Australian agriculture from exotic pests & diseases
• Join CSIRO Health and Biosecurity and make a difference!

CSIRO’s Health and Biosecurity Business Unit is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist – Translational Genomics with skills in translational genomics to join the Managing Invasive Species and Diseases Program. This multi-disciplinary program undertakes research to reduce the actual and potential economic, environmental, and social impacts of national priority pests, weeds and diseases of agriculture and the environment. 

As the successful candidate, you will be contributing to ongoing research conducted by the USDA Biological Control and Tropical Weeds teams based in Brisbane. You will also play an integral role in CSIRO’s biosecurity strategy which aims to safeguard Australian agriculture from exotic pests and diseases thus lowering costs for our producers and maintaining critical access to domestic and international markets.  

Your duties will include:

• Under the supervision of more senior researchers, assisting in the planning and preparation of research proposals, negotiating and securing externally funded projects, and carrying out research investigations, requiring originality, creativity and innovation. 
• Devising strategy and assuming overall scientific responsibility for research and interpreting results to deliver on project-related outputs.
• Developing molecular tools/resources for population and functional genomics of plant-insect interactions to help the agricultural and environmental sectors in support of biosecurity incursion responses, including contributing to the design and implementation of relevant empirical studies that are informed by genomics research
• Conducting field research in remote and regional areas for extended periods, this may include international surveys.
• Developing active collaborations with scientists from other disciplines that are working within Health & Biosecurity, CSIRO and external stakeholders.

Location: Brisbane (Dutton Park), QLD
Salary: AU$100k - AU$108k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference: 76777

To be considered you will need:

• A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant field such as molecular ecology, population genetics, functional genomics, evolutionary ecology.
• Relevant postdoctoral or industrial research experience including demonstrated theoretical, conceptual and practical knowledge relevant to molecular ecology.
• Strong quantitative analytical and statistical skills relevant to sampling design and marker development.
• High level skills in genetic laboratory methods, population genetic analysis or transcriptome analysis and the ability to optimise and troubleshoot in the laboratory environment and to use contextually appropriate analyses for different research questions. 
• High level skills in scientific computing languages and software relevant to the bioinformatic data generated by genomics research. 
• The ability to develop lead projects or components of large multi-disciplinary projects, and carry out independent individual research, to achieve project goals. 
• A history of science and/or technological innovation and creativity, including the ability and willingness to incorporate novel ideas and lateral thinking into scientific investigations to develop to appropriate solutions to research challenges.
• Excellent communication skills to make research accessible to diverse audiences in constrained time frames including a history of publishing impactful research, writing reports and delivering scientific presentations to diverse audiences.
• An ability to, under guidance, identify and secure new strategically-aligned R&D opportunities through engagement with stakeholders and collaborators.
• A current and valid driver's licence and the willingness and ability to travel throughout Australia and internationally, which will require occasional extended trips away from home and occasional weekend work.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

To be eligible for this role, you must be:

• An Australian citizen or permanent resident
• A New Zealand citizen or
• An Australian temporary resident currently residing in Australia with unrestricted work rights for the duration of the term with no requirement for visa sponsorship. This does not include bridging and other visas which are dependent on the successful approval of future visas. 

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent. 

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role, including succinct examples illustrating how you meet the selection criteria.

Applications Close

19 September 2021, 11:00 pm AEST