Research Scientist in Quantitative Pest Management - [Archived Advertisement]

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

The Opportunity

• Apply your expertise in quantitative pest management and data modelling to a varied role
• Help develop the next generation of digital tools to optimize adaptive land management
• Join CSIRO and make a difference to land management in Northern Australia!

CSIRO Health & Biosecurity business unit is currently seeking a skilled and experienced Research Scientist to join their Adaptive Biosecurity Management team! 

Invasive species and other pests cost Australia billions of dollars a year in lost production and environmental damage, plus endanger hundreds of native species. CSIRO helps protect Australian agriculture and our iconic flora and fauna from pests and diseases, through our innovative & multi-disciplinary biosecurity research program.

As a Research Scientist in this area, you will be responsible for developing novel methods, tools and digital platforms that enable land managers and policy makers monitor, evaluate, and manage invasive species and other biothreats. In this hands-on role, you will bring your skills in data modelling and expertise in relevant research areas & fieldwork to conduct scientific research that integrates spatial data, field collected data and remote data-streams to enhance adaptive land management with a focus on invasive species and biosecurity risks. While your role will have a primary focus on delivering existing/ongoing projects and managing stakeholder relationships, you will also play a key role in facilitating the expansion and development of the digital transformation of CSIRO’s research capabilities. 

This will be a great opportunity for an early-to-mid career research scientist, with well-developed skills in data modelling and an interest for digital tools, to become part of Australia’s national science agency! You will have the opportunity to collaborate with various other internal stakeholders and external industry partners, and CSIRO will offer you excellent career development and professional support to grow your career.  

Your duties will include:

• Contributing to scientific research that integrates spatial data, field collected data and remotely sensed data-streams to enhance adaptive land management with a focus on invasive species and biosecurity risks.
• Developing analytical pipelines to translate near real-time animal movement data into dynamic models of herd abundance, movement and connectivity through space and time.
• Contributing to the development of land management tools that integrate animal models, environmental, economic and cultural data to support feral animal management strategies particularly on Indigenous owned and managed land in remote northern Australia.
• Working with collaborators and digital technology partners on integrating tools into cutting-edge data management, analytical and delivery platforms.
• Maintaining a focus on client needs and the adoption of research outputs and outcomes, including co-development of research products and decision support tools that translate analytical outputs into easily interpreted end products for use by non-scientific stakeholders.
• Participating in planning research projects and taking responsibility for scheduling, leading and completing major parts of projects, including allocating and directing tasks where appropriate.

Location: Townsville, QLD
Salary: AU$102K – AU$111K pa + up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified Term of 3 years
Reference: 84764

To be considered you will need:

• A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant field such as Ecology, Ecological Applications, or a relevant area of Statistics and/or Data Science.
• Proven strong quantitative analytical, statistical and/or machine learning/artificial intelligence skills, combined with an ability to source, interpret and utilise empirical data.
• Demonstrated experience working with spatiotemporal data and addressing spatially explicit problems in ecology, statistics and/or machine learning/artificial intelligence.
• Proven ability to lead projects or components of multi-disciplinary projects, demonstrating a client focus and an ability to deliver science-based solutions.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to publish impactful scientific papers and effectively present research outcomes to key stakeholders.
• A record of science and/or technological innovation and creativity, including the ability & willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations to develop appropriate solutions to research challenges.
• A current and valid Australian drivers’ licence.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this role, you must be an Australian/New Zealand Citizen, an Australian Permanent Resident, or either hold or be able to obtain a valid working visa (visa sponsorship for the duration of the specified term may be offered to the successful candidate if required). 

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

The successful candidate will require the willingness and ability to travel throughout Australia and internationally, requiring occasional extended trips away from home and occasional weekend work.

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. Please note that we strongly encourage you to respond to each of the selection criteria in detail, and attach it to your cover letter as one document.

Applications Close

17 July 2022, 11:00pm AEST