Research Technician - Analytical Chemistry & Metabolomics

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The opportunity

• Apply your knowledge of analytical chemistry & metabolomics techniques in a varied role
• Play a key role in assisting a portfolio of real-impact research projects and lab work!
• Enhance your career with the talented & supportive team at CSIRO – Australia's National Science Agency!

We are currently seeking a motivated Research Technician, with practical/applied experience and an interest to advance their skills in analytical chemistry & metabolomics through exciting R&D projects, to join our CSIRO ‘Biotic Interactions’ research group in a multi-faceted role!

Plants are under threat from pathogens, pests and weeds that impact their health and growth, and at CSIRO, our research teams are investigating novel and sustainable crop protection solutions. Joining our high-performing, multidisciplinary Microbial Technologies Team in Canberra, you will be part of a collaborative team that focuses on exploiting the strengths of beneficial microbes to develop solutions for the control of weeds and crop sap-sucking insect pests. They use both applied research to deliver industry specific outcomes, as well as basic strategic research to develop novel approaches for enhancing the durability and the efficacy of biopesticides, and how we can integrate these into current and future farming practices. These research approaches involve a broad range of disciplines from comparative -omics, analytical chemistry, microbial engineering, fermentation systems, and plant biology. You will also be part of our wider ‘Biotic Interactions’ research group that has internationally recognised expertise in soil microbiology, biocontrol, integrated management of pests and diseases, and agricultural economics.

In this hands-on, lab-based role, you will play a key role in assisting the team with generating and processing metabolomics data, planning and executing data analysis, and using your knowledge & experience to develop new analytical methods & protocols, as well as to perform various general laboratory practices to ensure the lab is well-equipped and safely maintained to efficiently deliver on project timelines.

If you are motivated by working within a supportive team and contributing to making a real difference with your work, this would be an exciting and fulfilling role for you! CSIRO champions in providing a diverse and inclusive culture, supports flexible work arrangements, and offers you excellent professional development opportunities to grow your skills & career.

Your duties will include:

• Generating and processing metabolomics data with a primary focus on purification, quantification and characterisation of microbial (and plant) extracts.
• Planning and executing analysis, interpreting and communicating research, presenting at project meetings, and working with other team members & collaborators to achieve objectives, including contributing to reports or scientific publications.
• Developing new analytical methods and protocols for the purification of natural products.
• Performing instrument maintenance, calibration, and developing safety work instructions for safe instrument operation.
• Maintaining and improving metabolomic in-house database.
• Performing roles for general laboratory functioning such as ordering goods, and ensuring laboratory equipment is maintained in a clean and serviceable condition, and meeting HSE & PC2 compliance.
• Participating in planning experiments and accepting responsibility for scheduling and completing parts of the project, including experimental design, data collection and analysis, and delivery.

Location: Canberra, ACT

Salary: AU$93K – AU$105K pa + up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified Term until 30 June 2027; Full-time

Reference: 97746

To be considered you will need:

• Minimum qualification of Bachelor’s Degree in Science, ideally in Biological Chemistry or a relevant discipline, and demonstrated evidence of at least few years of relevant post degree work experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in analytical chemistry, and targeted/untargeted metabolomics techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in general laboratory maintenance including ordering of supplies and the calibration/maintenance of equipment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills for HSE and PC2 compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently under minimal supervision while contributing to overall team performance, and proven ability to meet performance deadlines during the course of the project.
• Strong interpersonal and oral and written communication skills, including  proven ability to present outcomes of scientific research in reports and/or publications.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multi‐disciplinary team, including with a broad range of people from varying research backgrounds.

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

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this role, you must be either an:

• Australian or New Zealand Citizen;
• Australian Permanent Resident; or
• Australian Temporary Resident, currently residing in Australia, with an existing valid visa and unrestricted work rights for the duration of the term (at least until June 2027) and no requirement for visa sponsorship. Please note this does not include bridging visas or other visas that are dependent upon the approval of future visas.

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 online, and provide a CV and a detailed cover letter, responding to each of the selection criteria in detail, that best demonstrate 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

6 October 2024, 11:00pm AEST
 

We encourage early applications as we will be reviewing applications as they come through. CSIRO reserves the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date, if we find our desired candidate and/or if required.