National Biodiversity DNA Library - Research Technician

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

• Contribute to a nationally significant biodiversity initiative shaping the future of eDNA in Australia.
• Work with Australia's leading museums, herbaria and scientific collections, travelling nationally to support sampling campaigns.
• Combine hands-on collection work, biodiversity data management and stakeholder collaboration in a diverse and rewarding role.

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 CSIRO's National Biodiversity DNA Library (NBDL) and contribute to a national initiative transforming how Australia's biodiversity is monitored and understood. Working with museums, herbaria and other biological collections across the country, you'll support specimen sampling programs and the management of associated biodiversity data that underpin environmental DNA (eDNA) technologies and species identification.

This is a varied, hands-on role combining specimen and metadata management, stakeholder engagement, project coordination and data curation. You'll work closely with curators, taxonomists, researchers and collection staff, contributing to the delivery of sampling campaigns and helping build Australia's most comprehensive DNA reference library.

This role would suit a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual with experience working with specimens in natural history collections. You'll enjoy working independently, building relationships with collection partners, and contributing to the successful delivery of national sampling campaigns.

Before applying, please note that this role requires domestic travel and to be considered, you must be willing and able to travel for up to weeks at a time. 

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Conducting sampling of specimens, tissues and DNA extracts held in internal and external biological collections.
• Recording and coordinating specimen metadata, working with databases and other data architecture.
• Providing diverse technical and logistical support to curators, taxonomists, and other technicians contributing to the NBDL initiative.
• Assisting with the planning, scheduling, design, troubleshooting, and reporting of sampling activities.
• Supporting with curation and management of other data types including images and sequence data, and potentially bioinformatic processing.

Role particulars

Location and office arrangements: Canberra (Black Mountain), ACT; Melbourne (Parkville), VIC. Other CSIRO sites will be considered.  Hybrid working options available.

Salary: AU$100k – AU$103k per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule:  Specified term until 30 June 2028; full time.  Options for part-time, job-share and flexible work arrangements can be discussed based on needs of role and individual circumstances.

Reference: 103762

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• A relevant qualification or equivalent work experience in a related area of biological science.
• Practical experience with tissue sampling for DNA analysis and/or working with specimens in public natural history collections (i.e. museums, herbaria).
• Practical experience managing associated specimen or sample metadata.
• Experience with, or knowledge of, taxonomic principles.
• Attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records and manage complex biological information and datasets.
• The ability to plan, prioritise and organise your work effectively, identify and resolve problems, and deliver high-quality outcomes within agreed timeframes.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively, contributing positively to team objectives, sharing responsibility for outcomes, and building effective working relationships within the team.
• The ability to build and maintain productive relationships with partner organisations and external collaborators, including the ability to communicate effectively, understand and respond to stakeholder needs, and foster ongoing participation in collaborative scientific programs.

To be particularly competitive in this role, you will also have one or more of the following:

• Extensive experience working within public natural history collections.
• Experience working with
  • Samples in a molecular laboratory setting.
  • DNA-based species identification and/or phylogenetics.
  • Specimen imaging, image management or associated digital curation activities.
  • Large databases and managing metadata and digital assets.
  • Genomic data and bioinformatic processing.

 
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 for this position are open to Australian Citizens, New Zealand Citizens or Australian Permanent Residents who are currently residing in Australia. 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