Research Technician - Microbiology and Plant-microbe interactions

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The opportunity

• Join the internationally recognised Biotic Interactions Group in CSIRO Agriculture and Food
• Perform in vitro and in vivo evaluation studies of microbial biocontrol agents for crop protection studies
• Fixed term opportunity based in Black Mountain, ACT

At CSIRO, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology by harnessing the incredible intellectual power and expertise of our people, collaborators and partners. CSIRO’s Science Leader program attracts the best researchers from across the globe to deliver outstanding translational science and engineering impact and captures new capability into areas which have been identified as strategic, to assist our business units to manage and develop their capability for the future.

The Agriculture and Food business unit is looking to appoint a Research Technician within the Biotic Interactions Group. The group harnesses biology at landscape scales to improve on-farm prevention, detection and control of crop pest and diseases, while minimising impacts on surrounding environments. The group has internationally recognised expertise in soil microbiology, integrated management of pests and diseases, agricultural economics and the development of biocontrol products.

In this role, you will work with agribusiness and CSIRO initiatives to research and evaluate new microbial-derived crop protection solutions in vitro and in vivo for the control of pests, weeds and diseases. Activities will be laboratory, glasshouse and office based.

Your duties will include:

• Perform in vitro and in vivo evaluation studies of microbial biocontrol agents and their bioactive compounds for crop protection studies.
• Growth and maintenance of microbial strains.
• Performing standard molecular biology techniques.
• Learning and following protocols to achieve experimental objectives, be responsible for accurately recording data and assist with analysis and evaluation.
• Assist with some non-routine analyses or method development activities involving microscopy, imaging of detached leaves or whole plants, and downstream data analysis.
• Perform roles for laboratory operational such as media preparation, ensuring laboratory equipment is clean, and HSE and PC2 compliant.
• Participate in project meetings and work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary research team to carry out tasks in support of CSIRO’s scientific objectives.
• Other duties as directed.

Location:  Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT

Salary:  $73k to $93k pa + 15.4% super

Tenure:  Specified term until March 2027

Reference:  98295

To be considered you will need:

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or plant pathology.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in microbiology techniques, including working with non-routine microbes such as fungi, Actinobacteria or other non-model bacteria.
• Fundamental knowledge or experience in measuring microbial or cell line responses to biotic or abiotic stresses.
• Attention to detail and demonstrated experience of accurate recording and analysis of data.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills for HSE and PC2 compliance.
• Strong interpersonal and oral and written communication, negotiation and representational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a multi‐disciplinary team.

Desirable:

• Understanding of plant-pest or plant-microbe interactions, and fundamental knowledge or experience in growing plants for laboratory or glasshouse experiments, and in plant measurements.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in microscopy or macro-imaging, and downstream data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in general laboratory maintenance including ordering of supplies and the calibration / maintenance of equipment.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications to this position are open to Australian/ New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents and Australian Temporary Residents who hold a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term without the requirement of sponsorship by CSIRO.

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent.

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

01 January 2025, 11:00pm AEDT