Bioinformatics Coordinator/ Research Scientist - National Biodiversity DNA Library

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

• Make a national impact on biodiversity and environmental DNA research
• Combine scientific expertise with project leadership and collaboration
• Work with leading researchers, collections and biodiversity data specialists

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

The opportunity 

Join the National Biodiversity DNA Library (NBDL) and help shape the future of biodiversity science in Australia. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will coordinate and deliver bioinformatics activities that support large-scale DNA sequencing campaigns, ensuring high-quality, scientifically robust data products are delivered to support research, biodiversity monitoring and the uptake of eDNA technologies.

This role combines bioinformatics, project coordination and scientific collaboration. You will work closely with molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, taxonomists and collection partners to deliver research outcomes, improve bioinformatics approaches, and support the successful adoption of NBDL data and services.

We're looking for a well-organised and collaborative scientist with broad knowledge of organismal genomics and an understanding of taxonomic and systematic principles. You'll be creative, solutions-focused and outcome-driven, with the ability to bring your expertise to complex challenges while working effectively across disciplines. The role would suit candidates from a variety of backgrounds, including researchers interested in moving towards a stronger project and research coordination focus while remaining closely connected to scientific delivery.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Coordinating and performing bioinformatics activities for Australia's National Biodiversity DNA Library.
• Coordinating and delivering high-quality DNA data analysis and research outcomes.
• Collaborating with researchers, museums, collections and biodiversity experts nationwide.
• Identifying innovative solutions to scientific and technical challenges.
• Sharing research outcomes through publications, presentations and stakeholder engagement.

Role particulars

Location and office arrangements: Canberra/Ngambri (Black Mountain), ACT; Melbourne/Naarm (Parkville), VIC; other CSIRO sites will be considered.

Salary: AU$118k – AU$127k per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule: Specified term until 30 June 2029; Full time; Options for flexible work arrangements can be discussed based on needs of role and individual circumstances

Reference: 103764

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential criteria

• A PhD in a relevant field such as systematics and/or bioinformatics, or equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience.
• The ability to undertake original, creative and innovative thinking by generating and pursuing novel ideas and applying scientific judgement to solve complex problems.
• The ability to lead, coordinate, and deliver complex projects, including managing competing priorities, and ensuring high-quality, reproducible outputs are achieved within agreed funding timelines.
• Experience with molecular species identification, phylogenetics and/or molecular evolution, including a working knowledge of biodiversity research and bioinformatic workflows.
• Experience with programming languages (e.g. Bash, SQL, Python) and High-Performance Computing systems.
• The ability to build and maintain effective and respectful collaborative relationships with stakeholders and partners.
• Experience working with biological research collections (i.e. museums and/or herbaria).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate scientific and technical information to a range of audiences through reports, presentations, publications and stakeholder engagement activities.

Candidates with the following will be highly regarded:

• Experience in project management.
• In depth knowledge of taxonomy and nomenclature.
• Experience with or knowledge of eDNA metabarcoding.
• Experience with molecular diagnostics, preferably across taxonomic groups.
• Experience working with complex/ large databases.

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

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 Cristina O’Brien via email at cristina.obrien@csiro.au and let us know how we can support you.  

Life at CSIRO and flexible work 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 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.

Eligibility 

Applications are open to Australian Citizens, New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents.  Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.   

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 online by submitting your CV and responses to each of the selection criteria as outlined on the position description (maximum 3 pages). Your application should demonstrate your motivation for the role and you ability to meet the essential requirements.

Applications close 

Monday 14th September 2026, 11:00pm AEST