Research Scientist - Microbial Genome Biology

The Opportunity

• ​​​​​Contribute to the understanding of plant microbiome assembly and function
• Support and mentor students and postdocs
• Join CSIRO’s Microbiome Future Science Platform and address new scientific challenges for Australia

CSIRO Future Science Platforms (FSPs) address new scientific challenges for Australia.  They are an investment in science that underpins innovation that has the potential to help reinvent and create new industries.  FSPs allow the development of capability and capacity for a new generation of researchers to work with CSIRO on future science. 

The Microbiomes for One Systems Health - FSP is offering an opportunity for a highly motivated research scientist to work in the area of Microbial Genome Biology.  With a specific focus on tolerance to biotic stress, you will apply experimental and computational approaches to understand plant microbiome assembly and function. As part of a larger team, you will draw on your microbiome expertise and computational skills to help understand the individual and collective functionalities of micro-organisms within phyllsophere and rhizosphere microbiomes. Working closely with postdocs and students, you will design experiments and project workflows to:

            (i)    understand how to design disease suppressive Synthetic Communities (SynComs); and 
            (ii)    explore the connectivity across the soil-rhizosphere-phyllosphere continuum.

In this role you will:

• Help lead the initiation, design and execution of manipulative experiments.
• Apply state-of-the-art analytical approaches to metagenomic and meta-transcriptomic data. 
• Participate in the supervision of students, postdocs and technical staff to achieve project goals.
• Successfully manage scientific collaboration within the CSIRO team.
• Assist in the preparation of research proposals and carry out innovative research investigations. 
• Present results in a meaningful format, prepare reports and write scientific papers for publication.  
• Work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed research team.
• Network with scientific colleagues across a range of disciplines and recognise opportunities for innovation. 

Location:      Canberra, ACT
Salary:           AU$100 – AU$108k per annum, plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:          Specified term ending 30 June, 2025, full-time
Reference:    76371

To be considered you will need:

• A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant field such as Genomics, Microbiology, Systems Biology or similar.
• The ability to undertake original, creative and innovative research and find solutions to fundamental questions in biology.
• Proficiency in scientific writing and communication, including a publication history of authorship on relevant scientific papers in peer reviewed journals.
• A deep understanding of functional genomics and experience working with large DNA sequencing datasets. 
• Proficiency in at least one programming language and repository management.
• A good understanding of microbiology and mechanisms underlying microbial community assembly.

For full details about this role please view the Position Details 

Eligibility

Open to:

• Australian or New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents
• Onshore Australian temporary visa holders (visa sponsorship may be provided to eligible onshore candidates)

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Clearance or equivalent;

or

If the successful candidate is not an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, they may be required to undergo additional security clearances, which may include medical examinations and an international standardised test of English language proficiency (i.e. IELTS test).

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. 

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply online and provide a CV and cover letter outlining your motivations for applying and your suitability for the role, paying particular attention to the requirements outlined in the Position Details.

Applications Close

Thursday 30 September, 2021 (11pm AEST)