Research Technician - Pathogen Investigation

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

Role highlights

• Opportunity to be a part of various projects and support world-class R&D
• Learning to work within a microbiologically secure lab at physical containment level 3 and 4
• ​​​​​​Work alongside a dedicated team of professionals in a unique environment at the ACDP

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!

The opportunity

Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), our national biocontainment research facility, is a vital part of Australia’s biosecurity infrastructure. Our team works closely with researchers, animal, and human health agencies to protect Australia’s multi-billion-dollar livestock and aquaculture industries, and the public, from emerging infectious disease threats.

The Pathogen Investigation team based in ACDP seeks to appoint a skilled research technician to work collaboratively with the Zoonotic Pathogens and Models group to contribute to the delivery of impactful research on zoonotic and emerging viruses of high consequence to human health, including animal and laboratory models. As the Research Technician, you will be responsible for the delivery of outputs across a range of projects that involve cell biology, molecular biology, virology and serology and are expected to work independently in the PC3 and PC4 microbiologically secure laboratories. You must be willing to undertake fully encapsulated suit training to meet the stringent requirements to work at PC4. The most fascinating part of this role is to be part of multiple projects that will have specific requirements, and there will be benefits of learning new techniques and approaches to different projects.

The appointee will work in the biologically secure laboratories at physical containment level (PC2,3,4)  and must meet ACDP's microbiological security and security assessment requirements.

Your high-level duties will include:

• Work in a microbiologically secure laboratory (PC2, 3, 4) as part of a multi-disciplinary research team, with responsibilities and outputs supporting project goals. 
• Undertake and complete tasks independently or collaboratively with colleagues on assigned research and development activities, including animal and field work, experimental design, implementation and timely completion of work, while maintaining an awareness of team priorities and flexibility to assist team flow. 
• Work collaboratively with colleagues within your team, the research unit and across CSIRO to reach objectives.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to laboratory work and experimental results.
• Contribute to the effective functioning and objectives of the Health and Biosecurity Research Unit as advised by line management.
• Abide by and promote ACDP’s microbiological security regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality when working with commercially sensitive information.

Role particulars

Location: Geelong, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, VIC

Salary: AU$73k - AU$93k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite / Full-time

Reference: 100108 [Two opportunities available]

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential

• A relevant degree or equivalent relevant work experience in Biological Sciences or a related discipline.    
• Technical competence in performing virology, molecular and/or serological assays.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and co-operatively as a member of a larger project team, and to form and maintain effective and respectful relationships with various colleagues and collaborators.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and schedule workflow in a timely and technically sound manner.
• High-level interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document results and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients to meet project goals and timelines.

Desirable

• Experience working at BSL-3 or BSL-4.
• Experience working with viruses of human importance.
• Experience with molecular techniques, including cloning.
• Experience working with advanced cell culture models.
• Knowledge and experience working within the principles of a quality system e.g. GLP/ ISO9001/17025.

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

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents residing in Australia. Appointment to this role is subject to the provision of a national police check and also subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

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 the Talent Partner mentioned on the PD 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 that 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.

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 and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

15 June 2025, 11:00 pm AEST

We strongly encourage you to apply early, as we will be reviewing applications as they come in. CSIRO reserves the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date if necessary.