Senior Research Scientist - Food macromolecules

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

•    Key research leadership role in the Werribee-based Food Quality and Safety Group

•    Make an impact in the future of food science technology

•    Work with CSIRO to deliver world-class research for industry, government, and the community

Are you an expert in bio-physical chemistry of food proteins and polysaccharides?
Join the innovative and impact-focused research at CSIRO Agriculture and Food and help drive the development and delivery of healthy, safe, and sustainable foods, food ingredients and beverages for Australia’s food industry and global consumers.
The position of Senior Research Scientist will sit within the Food Chemistry Team, which has capabilities that deliver impact into the precision fermentation, plant protein and horticulture sectors. The team is part of the Food Quality and Safety Group of the Food Program  Food - CSIRO
This role will provide research leadership in bio-physical chemistry of food proteins and polysaccharides and the opportunity to formulate, develop and complete a research program or project portfolio on innovative science and value-adding processes aligned with the needs of the Australian food industry. 
The position will also include developing entrepreneurial acumen working with fast moving start-ups and potentially leading into a venture builder within a start-up company and supporting the commercialisation of research outcomes. 

Your duties will include:

•    Within broad guidelines, use professional expertise, knowledge of other disciplines and research experience and achievement to formulate, develop and complete an approved suite of client and strategic projects aligned to the impact areas of the Food Program.
•    Effectively lead and contribute to precision fermentation science projects, particular animal-free dairy proteins to ensure timely delivery, including conducting, interpretation, reporting and communication of research results, to relevant audiences.
•    Work collaboratively as part of an often regionally dispersed and multi-disciplinary research team, to carry out tasks in support of CSIRO’s scientific objectives.
•    Build networks with industry and academic stakeholders, providing and playing a lead role in securing project funds and project delivery.
•    Act as a trusted advisor, utilising knowledge of the industry’s needs and clients’ business and understanding of their underlying needs. 
•    Communicate openly, effectively, and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.
•    Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Code of Conduct, Health, Safety and Environment procedures and policy, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals. 
•    Other duties as directed.

Location: Werribee (Melbourne), VIC

Salary: $AU121,455-$142,321 plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure:  Indefinite, Full-time

Reference:  91766

To be considered you will need:

Essential
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.
•    A PHD in chemistry and/or biophysical chemistry of proteins, glycoproteins and/or polysaccharides that are relevant to the food industry, or a related field, with evidence of relevant postdoctoral research and leadership experience, or significant experience in industry.
•    Demonstrated capability in techniques such as SEM, TEM, SAXS SANS for the characterisation of macromolecular and supra-molecular structures.
•    Demonstrated ability in investigating structure-function relationships of food macromolecules through techniques such as rheology, tribology and/or microscopy.
•    Significant experience as a senior researcher managing large projects or programs that include designing, conducting, analysing and reporting protein/polysaccharide research using a range of experimental approaches that, for example, affect product quality or processing efficiency.
•    Demonstrated ability in the translation of scientific outcomes to industry applications.
•    Strong track record of scientific dissemination that may include peer-reviewed publications, technical/industry reports, presentations at scientific conferences, industry workshops or to the public.
•    Strong evidence of anticipating industry needs and market direction through client liaison, with demonstrated ability to attract external funding.
•    Demonstrated connections within networks relevant to the science of biological macromolecules and evidence supporting an emerging national and/or international reputation.
•    Demonstrated mindset to facilitate respect, collaboration, support, inclusiveness and accountability in the workplace.

Desirable
•    Experience in dealing with proteins produced through precision fermentation processes.
•    Demonstrated capability of the isolation and purification processes for biological molecules relevant to the food industry.
•    Demonstrated ability as a people leader, including the ability and desire to mentor and develop junior and mid-career scientists and students.

For full details about this role please view the position description.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to all candidates. 

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 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

Wednesday 5th April 2023, 11:00 pm AEST.