Research Scientist - Designer Microbiomes and Delivery Systems

The Opportunity

• ​​​​​​Design & construct microbiomes for biodegradation of organic contaminants
• Develop delivery systems for designer microbiomes
• Join CSIRO – Australia’s premier scientific research organisation

CSIRO is seeking a motivated Research Scientist - Designer Microbiomes and Delivery Systems for Bioremediation and Waste Treatment to join the Microbiomes for One Systems Health - Future Science Platform (FSP). The FSPs address new scientific challenges for Australia. 

In this role, you will design and construct microbiomes and develop delivery system platform technologies to biodegrade persistent organic contaminants (such as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and/or petroleum organics) and/or wastes (such as mixed plastics). To be successful, you will need research experience in using microbial, molecular or material science techniques for environmental applications and aseptic culture techniques.

The Microbiome FSP is developing new understanding of microbiome connectivity across the environment to human continuum and how system perturbations impact on microbiome functionality, diversity and systems health. A key objective is to capture greater benefit from microbiome interactions through more informative and predictive frameworks for functionality and by targeted interventions.
 

Your duties will include:

• As part of a multidisciplinary research team, carrying out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO that will, where possible, lead to novel and important scientific outcomes. 
• Identifying suitable microbes and designing and constructing designer microbiomes for biodegradation of persistent organic contaminants (such as PFAS and/or petroleum organics) and/or wastes (such as mixed plastics).
• Developing platform technology for microbiome delivery systems to improve the resilience of designer microbiomes for the treatment of organic wastes and/or pollutants. 
• Developing, leading, and managing the experimental program and deliverable on designer microbiomes and delivery systems with support from the supervisor and senior research team. 
• Collaborating with Microbiome FSP systems biology and metabolic modelling experts to provide relevant data on designer microbiomes and delivery systems.

Location: Perth, WA (please note this role will commence at the Floreat site and will transfer to Waterford in mid-2022)

Salary: AU$100k - AU$108k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of up to 4 years

Reference: 76724

To be considered you will need:

• A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant field such as microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, material science or nanoscience, or a related field.
• Experience in developing, leading, and managing research projects using microbial/ molecular and/or material science techniques for environmental applications.  
• Experience in aseptic culture techniques. 
• A history of undertaking original, creative, and innovative research by generating and pursuing novel ideas and solutions to scientific research problems.
• Excellent communication skills with a strong publication history of authorship on scientific papers in peer reviewed journals and/or reports, grant applications or inventorship on patent applications, and conference presentations.
• A history of working effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed project team, plus the motivation and discipline to carry out autonomous research.
• Experience in responsible and ethical behaviour in research, inclusiveness, and work health and safety practices and procedures.   

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

To be eligible for this role, you must be an Australian/New Zealand Citizen, an Australian Permanent Resident or to hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.

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. 

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

29 September 2021, 11:00 pm AEST