Molecular Laboratory Developer

Date: 13 Nov 2024

Location: Canberra, ACT, AU

Company: CSIRO

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

Join our team at the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC) in Canberra, part of CSIRO’s National Research Collections Australia. We’re seeking a skilled individual to support pioneering projects within the Environomics Future Science Platform, specifically in the National Biodiversity DNA Library (NBDL) and high-throughput genomics.

 

In this role, you’ll work closely with scientists and technicians to develop and automate DNA sequencing workflows that support biodiversity research and biosecurity. Using advanced technology, including robotics and acoustic liquid handling, you’ll help build a genomic reference library for Australian species—vital for species identification and environmental conservation.

 

Your contributions will enhance our ability to understand and manage Australia’s unique genetic landscape and play a part in groundbreaking research at the intersection of genomics and environmental science.

Your duties will include:

  • Further automate and develop miniaturised genome library preparations using acoustic liquid handling and robotics.
  • Integrate miniaturised WGS library preparations into CSIRO’s lab information management system (LIMS).
  • Develop and document protocols for advanced molecular methods in collection genomics.
  • Build DNA libraries with miniaturised workflows and document all steps in an electronic lab notebook.
  • Collaborate closely with the NBDL team to streamline sample acquisition, data management, and bioinformatics processes.
  • Actively participate in team meetings and represent CSIRO in public and industry forums.

 

Location: ACT, Black Mountain

Salary: AU$110,038 - AU$119,080 per annum plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years

Reference: 97738

To be considered you will need:

Essential

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

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in molecular genomics or molecular biology.
  • Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of molecular genetics techniques.
  • Extensive hands-on experience in DNA library preparation for Illumina sequencing.
  • Skilled in independently implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting lab protocols.
  • High attention to detail and ability to manage complex tasks efficiently.
  • Effective team player in a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed team, with strong time management and communication skills.

 

Desirable:

  • Experience with lab automation and acoustic liquid handling.
  • Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
  • Background in historical DNA lab work.
  • PhD in molecular biology.
  • Experience handling large sample volumes and high-throughput molecular analyses.
  • Molecular work experience across a variety of taxa.

 

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents only. 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.

 

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

8th December 2024, 11:00pm AEDT