Research Projects Officer (Pest Detection Technologies)

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

Child Safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

The Opportunity

• Play a key role in our Managing Invasive Species and Diseases program
• Contribute to the smooth execution of research at CSIRO
• Join team CSIRO – Australia’s National Science Agency! 

 
CSIRO’s Pest Detection Technologies team is part of the Managing Invasive Species and Diseases program, which focuses on researching and managing national priority pests, weeds, and diseases in agriculture and the environment. We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Projects Officer to join our team, sitting within the broader Health and Biosecurity Business Unit. 
 

As the Research Projects Officer, your primary responsibility will be collaborating with other researchers in scientific and technological activities. Our aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of optical scanning technologies in detecting pest infestations in fresh produce, both in laboratory and commercial packhouse settings. Your role will be involved in detail planning, data collection and analysis of information obtained from optical grading systems used in various packhouses across Australia. 
 

The research conducted in this role will help overcome market barriers caused by pests and diseases in international trade. You’ll play a crucial role in experimental and observational work, as well as the development of new technologies. 
 

If you have a keen interest in this field and are looking for an opportunity to help facilitate the smooth execution of research activities at CSIRO, this could be the role for you!

Your duties will include:

• Collaborating with research staff to plan and execute scientific and technological activities related to pest detection and management.
• Under limited supervision, developing and implementing experimental protocols and methodologies to assess the effectiveness of optical scanning technologies in detecting pest infestations in fresh produce.
• Collecting data from optical grading systems used in various packhouses across Australia and conducting data analysis to evaluate the efficacy of the current grading systems in detecting and rejecting infested fruits.
• Assisting in the development and refinement of data packages and protocols to support proposed systems approaches for pest management in the agricultural industry.
• Contributing to the development and improvement of imaging technologies integrated with AI capabilities for enhanced pest detection in fruits.
• Conducting literature reviews, investigations and inspections in the field or laboratory including associated analysis possibly involving statistical or graphics software.
• Independently testing possible solutions to resolve identified experimental problems.
• Collaborating with industry partners, stakeholders, and external research institutions as required to facilitate research projects and achieve project objectives.
• Other duties as required. 

Location: Dutton Park, Brisbane (QLD)

Salary: AU$68k - AU$86k pa plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years, Full-time

Reference: 93249

To be considered you will need:

• A degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Science, biology, agricultural science, or related fields).
• Demonstrated experience in planning and conducting scientific research projects, including experimental design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Demonstrated interest in working with and applying technology and/or coding skills to solving problems
• Experience in conducting field trials or working in agricultural settings.
• Ability to effectively collaborate on drafting and presenting presentations, as well as producing detailed written reports for clients, the scientific community, and the technology community. 
• Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve technical and practical issues encountered during research projects.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize workloads, and meet project deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, stakeholders, and industry partners.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to travel within Australia. And possession of a current driver's license.
   

Desirable:

• Familiarity with concepts and approaches related to pest detection, management, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Experience in working with imaging technologies, such as computer vision, machine learning, or AI-based image analysis.
• Demonstrated ability with coding language such as R or Python.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this position, you must be either:
•    an Australian or New Zealand Citizen;
•    an Australian Permanent Resident; or
•    an Australian Temporary Resident, currently residing in Australia, with an existing valid visa and unrestricted work rights for the duration of the term and no requirement for visa sponsorship.

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

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. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs, whether we are undertaking research, engaging with the public or nurturing future scientists in person or online. Source – CSIRO Child Safe policy 2023

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

27th September 2023, 11:00pm AEST