Research Scientist - Directed Evolution of Nitrogenases

Acknowledgement of Country

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Role highlights

• Apply your demonstrated expertise in directed evolution in microbes for multi-gene pathways.
• Great opportunity to actively foster a collaborative culture, empowering teams to achieve   research excellence 
• 2 year fixed term position based at Black Mountain, Canberra

About CSIRO

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The opportunity

We have a dynamic and inclusive team within the Engineering Nitrogenase into Plants team within CSIRO’s Agriculture and Food research unit. We are seeking applicants for the role of Research Scientist – Directed Evolution in Nitrogenases. If you take pride in your interpersonal skills and your ability to apply expertise in directed evolution in microbes for multi-gene pathways, we would love to hear from you.  

As the Research Scientist, your major aims will be to simplify the genetic complexity of native nitrogenases and also to improve the tolerance of nitrogenases to oxygen. Your wider team within CSIRO spans synthetic biology in plants and the biochemistry of metalloenzymes and your role will be to provide improved variants of nitrogenases that can be validated in plant-based assays.

Your high-level duties will include:

• Design of synthetic DNA libraries for nitrogenases
• Assembly of nitrogenase pathways for expression in microbes
• Design of phenotyping assays that assess nitrogenase dependent growth
• Development of molecular strategies for directed evolution
• Methods for the rapid identification of the molecular basis of improved nitrogenase dependent growth
• Managing a small team for improved rates of discovery
• Other duties as directed

Role particulars

Location: Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT

Salary: AU$114k – AU$123k per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% super

Tenure: 24 months specified term         

Reference: 99809

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential criteria

• A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant field such as directed evolution of microbes.
• Demonstrated experience with enzymes that use gases as a substrate
• Demonstrated ability to perform high throughput screens for improved growth and the characterisation of the variants at a molecular level
• Experience with managing small teams
• 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 and general knowledge with plant synthetic biology
• Experience with expression of pathways within plant organelles, such as mitochondria or plastids

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact Vicki Ferrar -  TA Partner at vicki.ferrar@csiro.au and let us know how we can support you.  

Life at CSIRO and flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens, New Zealand Citizens, and 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.   

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.

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close

Friday 23rd May 2025, 11:00pm AEST