Research Scientist - Host Biomarkers of Infectious Diseases

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

The Opportunity

The role of Research Scientist/Engineer staff is to conduct innovative research leading to scientific achievements that are aligned with CSIRO’s strategies. The Research Scientist/Engineer may be engaged in scientific activity ranging from fundamental research to the investigation of specific industry or community problems. 

• Supportive, rewarding, inclusive, and truly flexible environment.  
• Team based, collaborative culture. 
• Join CSIRO and support Australia's premier scientific organisation! 

In your role as Research Scientist, you will join the Host Response Team at the Australian Centre of Disease Preparedness (ACDP) to develop a new project area focused on future technologies to improve the management of infectious diseases impacting human and animal health.  Specifically, you will investigate if the outcomes of important infections/syndromes of both animals and humans caused by co-infection (e.g. viral + bacterial) can be forecast by immune-based biomarkers. Bovine respiratory disease, and a pneumonia will serve as model systems.  To be successful, you will require skills in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and microbiology and will lead activities involving next-generation sequencing, machine learning (ML)-enabled data analysis, and the development of specialised assays for biomarker quantification.

Your duties will include:

• Developing a genomics platform for the comprehensive profiling of molecular immune responses to infection (“the RNAome”), including analysis of RNA synthesis, post-transcriptional modification, specific nuclease events, and decay.
• Developing tools for the automation of data analysis and interpretation to identify candidates for biomarker assay development (e.g. justification of antimicrobial use).
• Comparing the performance characteristics of the immune-based technology to current methods for disease management.
• Building a portfolio of data for publication/patents.
• Scoping the potential for translational development to field-adaptable pen-side/patient-side systems.
• Under the supervision of more senior researchers, assisting in planning and preparing research proposals and carrying out research investigations, requiring originality, creativity and innovation. 
• Presenting results in a meaningful format, preparing reports for clients, and writing scientific papers for publication.  
• Undertaking experimental and/or observational research activities and supervising/training others to ensure experiments are established in accordance with research design.

Location: Geelong, Victoria

Salary: AU$102,724 - AU$111,165 plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years

Reference: 88232

To be considered you will need:

Essential:

• A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant field such as genomics, microbiology, or bioinformatics.
• 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 reports, grant applications, or inventorship on patent applications.

Desirable:

• Experience in artificial neural networks for analysis of biological data
• Experience handling infectious material.  

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.

To enter a CSIRO site, CSIRO will require you to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (or show a valid medical exemption from vaccination). If you are unable to meet this requirement, then you must return a negative result on a Rapid Antigen Test (within 48 hours prior to attending site) and wear a face mask whilst on the CSIRO site. These requirements apply if you are attending a CSIRO site as part of a recruitment process.

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 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

16th October 2022, 11:00pm AEST