Ocean Carbon Chemist - CSIRO - GreenCareer

First listed on: 09 January 2018

Ocean Carbon Chemist

  • Work with a group of researchers in the field of ocean carbon cycle and ocean acidification
  • Add value with your capability in high-accuracy measurement of pH levels in seawater, data management and contribution to research
  • Join CSIRO - Australia's premier science and technology research organisation

The position:

Research Projects staff in CSIRO collaborate in scientific activities with other research staff, usually in planning and undertaking or assisting with experimental and observational work.

The appointee will work as part of a team involved in research on the ocean carbon cycle and ocean acidification and will deliver to multiple projects in Australian waters and the Southern Ocean. The position involves working with other staff on the measurement of CO2 system parameters in seawater, with an emphasis on the setup and development of capability in high-accuracy spectrophotometric pH measurements. The work will involve coordination with other team members to construct, maintain and operate instrumentation used in observation programs, work at sea as required, data management and visualisation, and contribution to research papers.

Specifically you will:

  • Develop and perform marine CO2 system measurements in the field and laboratory, with emphasis on pH, including sensor maintenance and calibration, developing sampling and measurement protocols, and data handling and quality control.
  • Work with other project staff to maintain field and laboratory instrumentation for carbon chemistry measurements.
  • Provide support in the preparation of and participation in field work, as required. 
  • Support visualisation, synthesis and publication of carbon chemistry data.
  • Communicate effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.
  • Work as part of a multi-disciplinary, often regionally dispersed research team, to carry out tasks under limited direction in support of scientific research.
  • Adapt and/or develop original experimental methods/equipment/software/concepts ideas in support of existing and further research.

Location: Hobart, Tasmania
Salary: $80,000 - $91,000 plus up to 15.4% super
Term: 2 years
Reference: 53350 

To be successful, you will have:

  • A Science Degree & a minimum of 2 years experience in marine research after completion of the degree.
  • You must be willing and able to obtain a Certificate of Medical Fitness to a standard required for seagoing positions, and have demonstrated ability to travel and work on research ships, often under limited supervision.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, problem solving/investigative skills and the ability to effectively manage a number of competing priorities simultaneously, and under limited direction.
  • Experience in high accuracy measurement of dissolved CO2 parameters in seawater, and associated data quality control and visualisation, with an emphasis on spectrophotometric pH measurement.
  • Skills in the construction of scientific instrumentation, and in data acquisition using Matlab, Python or LabVIEW. Experience in handling large data sets using Matlab and in the visualisation of these data is desirable.
  • Proven ability in the maintenance of instrumentation and sensor calibrations, and in the documentation of analytical procedures and results.
  • Willingness to contribute to research papers and new ideas and approaches in support of scientific investigations is desirable.

Who we are: The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

At CSIRO, we do the extraordinary every day. We innovate for tomorrow and help improve today – for our customers, all Australians and the world. We imagine. We collaborate. We innovate. We do this by using science and technology to solve real issues. Diversity is the compass that navigates our innovation. We provide an inclusive workplace that respects, values and actively pursues the benefits of a diverse workforce.  

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Talk to us about how this role could be flexible for you.  Find out more Balance

CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere will support Australia’s prosperity through research underpinning sustainable economic, social, and environmental use of Australia’s marine estate and providing information, technologies, and services to governments, industries, and communities to enable adaption to changing climate and environmental conditions. 

How to Apply:  If you wish to apply for this position, please upload 1 document only containing your covering letter and resume that best demonstrates your ability to meet the requirements of the role.   

Before you apply please view the full position description and selection criteria here:  PD

Applications Close:  11:59pm AEDT, January 22, 2018