Research Scientist (Genomics & Biological Control)

Acknowledgement of Country

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The opportunity

• Collaborative environment with incredible flexibility and work conditions
• Great ongoing role engaging with dispersedly located multi-disciplinary scientists delivering impactful projects
• Grow your research career with CSIRO – Australia’s National Science Agency!

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is Australia’s national science agency and innovation catalyst. Our purpose is to work with industry, government, and the community to turn science into solutions to address Australia’s greatest challenges, including food security and quality; clean energy and resources; health and wellbeing; resilient and valuable environments; innovative industries; and a secure Australia and region.

CSIRO's Health & Biosecurity Research (H&B) Unit addresses the complexity and interdependencies of human, animal and environmental health and biosecurity challenges across Australia and the world. H&B's portfolio of work drives impact through three key impact areas: Increasing Australia’s preparedness and responsiveness to health and biosecurity threats; Accelerating the technologically and digitally driven transformation of Australia’s healthcare and biosecurity systems; and Improving the health and wellbeing of all Australians.

The Weed Management Systems teams conduct research that spans biology, ecology, genomics and management of weeds of agricultural and environmental significance. This is an exciting opportunity as the Weeds Genomics and Biosecurity scientist to join a multidisciplinary team that focuses on weeds that pose a biosecurity threat to the Australian agricultural sector and environment. You will use and adapt in-house bioinformatic workflows and develop novel methodologies to unravel population genetics and molecular ecology on a range of invasive plants and associated organisms (including, but not limited to, their biological control agents). 

Your duties will include:

• Planning and preparation of research proposals and carrying out research investigations, requiring originality, creativity and innovation.
• Designing data collection and experimental methods for population genetics and molecular ecology aligned with biosecurity science.
• Analysing datasets on population genetics in a biosecurity context and annotating weed genomes to enable solutions informed by population- and functional-genomics.
• Collaborating with bioinformaticians across the organisation to develop novel bioinformatic pipelines relevant to biosecurity and plant health.
• Publishing high-impact journal articles and developing patents focused on one or more elements of larger research projects.
• Participating in experimental and/or observational research activities and supervising/training others to ensure experiments are established as per the research design.

Location: Perth, Canberra, or Brisbane.

Salary: AU$110k - AU$119k pa plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Indefinite / Full-time

Reference: 95832

To be considered you will need:

Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

Essential

• A PhD or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience in a relevant field such as biology, ecology, entomology, plant pathology, molecular biology or bioinformatics.
• Demonstrated experience and proficiency in one or more coding languages (e.g. Python or R).
• Experience in the analyses and interpretation of genetic and genomic data.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evolutionary ecology.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake original, creative, and innovative research by generating and pursuing novel ideas and solutions to scientific research problems.
• A demonstrated publication history of authorship on scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and/or reports, grant applications or inventorship on patent applications.

Desirable

• Experience with bioinformatics as it pertains to biosecurity.
• Experience in biological control of weeds.

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

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to all candidates – Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents, or candidates who either hold or can obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term (visa sponsorship and relocation assistance may be provided to the successful candidate if required).

Appointment to this role is subject to the 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.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

Please apply online, and provide a CV and a detailed cover letter, responding to each of the selection criteria in detail, that best demonstrates your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role. Please attach your selection criteria responses to your cover letter as one document.

Applications close

17 November 2024, 11:00pm AEDT.