CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Multi-omics for microbiome functionality

The Opportunity

• Do you have a PhD in a relevant discipline area, such as microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biology, systems biology, biochemistry or similar?
• Exciting opportunity to develop and lead the experimental program and deliverable on multi-omics for microbiome functionality for bioremediation and waste treatment 
• Join CSIRO – Australia’s leading scientific research organisation! 

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system. 

The position will be part of the CSIRO’s Microbiomes for One Systems Health - Future Science Platform (FSP). CSIRO FSPs work on frontier science that underpins innovation to support and develop industries for Australia. 

The Microbiome FSP is developing new understanding of microbiome connectivity across the environment to human continuum and how system perturbations impact on microbiome functionality, diversity and systems health. A key objective is to capture greater benefit from microbiome interactions through more informative and predictive frameworks for functionality and by targeted interventions. Capacity to directly manipulate microbiomes across hosts and environments will provide new opportunities for bio-based solutions to be developed and applied to improve host and environmental health and for increased benefit to plants, animals and humans.

The portfolio of research within the Microbiome FSP is focussed on new science that address; systems connectivity, predictive frameworks and deliberate Interventions through the application of multi-omic tools to analyse point and system level change and associated measures of functionality both within and across interconnected biomes. This includes integration and analysis of multi-layered data and use of empirical and/or statistical modelling. The science portfolio of the FSP spans multiple CSIRO Business Units that address key focal areas; i) Environment, Soil & Plant Health, ii) Food Chain & Production ii) Diet, Gut and Health and iv) Optimized Industry & Urban Processes.

Further information: https://research.csiro.au/microbiome/
 

Your duties will include:

• As part of a multidisciplinary research team, carry out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO that will, where possible, lead to novel and important scientific outcomes. 
• Develop, lead, and manage the experimental program and deliverables on multi-omics for microbiome functionality for bioremediation and waste treatment with support from the senior research team. 
• Apply multi-omics techniques and bioinformatics analysis to identify environmental drivers, key indicators for microbiome functionality and targets for manipulation to achieve microbe-mediated benefits in biodegradation of persistent organic contaminants (for example, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, mixed plastics and plasticisers, and recalcitrant petroleum hydrocarbons).
• As part of the Microbiome FSP: Optimized Industry & Urban Processes research theme examine the effectiveness of designer microbiomes and delivery systems in test beds for biodegradation of persistent organic contaminants and wastes. 
• Work well independently and as part of a team to successfully achieve project outputs and outcomes.

Location: Adelaide, SA

Salary: AU$88k - AU$96k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years

Reference: 76726

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biology, systems biology, biochemistry or similar. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Practical experience in microbial multi-omics and bioinformatics analysis, particularly high-resolution mass spectrometry-based techniques (e.g., metabolomics, proteomics) for community analysis.
• Experience in leading and managing research projects using microbial multi-omics techniques on environmental samples to deliver outcomes in agreed timelines.  
• A record of science innovation and creativity, including the ability & willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations.
• High level of written and oral communication skills with a demonstrated publication history of authorship on scientific papers in peer reviewed journals and/or reports, grant applications or inventorship on patent applications, and conference presentations.
• The ability to work effectively independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary project team, plus the motivation and discipline to carry out autonomous research.
• Experience in responsible and ethical behaviour in research, inclusiveness, and work health and safety practices and procedures.   

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

To be eligible you must be an Australian/New Zealand Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident or Australian temporary resident currently residing in Australia (visa sponsorship may be provided to eligible onshore candidates) and be able to commence employment by December 2021/January 2022.

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent. Additional integrity checks may be required for specific roles which require security clearance for working with children, Australian Government cybersecurity requirements or other identified security roles.

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.

Applications Close

23 September 2021, 11:00pm AEST