Molecular Laboratory Technician

Acknowledgement of Country

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Child safety

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The opportunity

This role is based at the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC) within CSIRO’s National Research Collections Australia (NRCA). The candidate will collaborate with NRCA/ANIC researchers, taxonomists, molecular systematists, bioinformaticians, and lab technicians, as well as external collaborators and clients as needed.

As the successful applicant, your position will support insect systematics research and curation through molecular lab work, involving protocol development, troubleshooting, DNA extraction, and library preparation for sequencing. Responsibilities also include HSE tasks, assisting less experienced users, and general lab upkeep.

Your focus will be on collection genomics, dealing with historical DNA from ANIC’s 12 million specimens. DNA sequences support phylogenetic studies, taxonomic revisions, species identifications, and collection curation. High-throughput workflows utilize advanced equipment such as multi-channel pipettes, robotics, MinION sequencers, and a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

This is an indefinite, appropriation-funded position, with projects funded by grants from sources like the Environomics Future Science Platform. The role involves contributing to multi-disciplinary teams, developing ideas, presenting work, co-authoring publications, and participating in grant applications. Teamwork and responsibility are key.

Your duties will include:

• Contribute to multi-disciplinary project teams and take ownership of tasks.
• Communicate ideas, results, and issues both in-person and electronically.
• Document all steps in an electronic lab notebook and maintain lab operations.
• Train and mentor less experienced users; administer HSE procedures.
• Optimize protocols for unusual samples and troubleshoot workflows.
• Operate complex equipment (e.g., robotic platforms, liquid handlers).
• Perform DNA/RNA extractions, generate DNA barcodes, and build WGS libraries.
• Conduct hybrid target capture reactions and handle confidential projects.
• Manage lab consumables, orders, and credit card expenses.

Location: Canberra, ACT

Salary: AU$93,267 - AU$105,517 plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Indefinite

Reference: 97735

To be considered you will need:

Essential

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

• Relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience in molecular genomics or molecular biology.
• Practical expertise in a broad range of current laboratory techniques for molecular genetics, including Illumina library preparation.
• Practical experience with the implementation and troubleshooting of laboratory protocols.
• Ability to carry out complex workflows and operate advanced technical equipment.
• Experience with reliable processing of many samples.
• History of both successful teamwork and working independently to meet agreed objectives.

Desirable

• Experience with historical DNA lab work and hybrid target capture.
• Proficient in lab automation and Oxford Nanopore technology.
• Familiar with LIMS/ELN and bioinformatics/data analysis.
• Skilled in lab maintenance and upkeep.

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 or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. 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

6th October 2024, 11:00pm AEST