Bioinformatics Research Technician - CSIRO - GreenCareer

First listed on: 02 October 2021

Bioinformatics Research Technician

 

The Opportunity

  • Undertake large-scale analyses of whole genome data from old specimens and research collections
  • Use your initiative to maintain and develop new processing pipelines and workflows
  • Help revolutionise the monitoring of Australia’s natural environment and biosecurity

Powered by developments from the CSIRO’s Environomics Future Science Platform, the National Biodiversity DNA Library will be a globally unique and significant national infrastructure. Using novel platform technology for high-throughput collection genomics, the National Biodiversity DNA Library initiative involves large-scale sequencing of whole genomes from old specimens in the National Research Collections Australia (NRCA) and other collections. 

As the Bioinformatics Research Technician, you will be based in the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC) in Canberra.  Working closely with research scientists and technicians from key collections, you will support the National Biodiversity DNA Library initiative in building a library of DNA reference sequences based on taxonomically identified collection specimens.  The eDNA sampling of aquatic and terrestrial environments is poised to revolutionise the way we monitor Australia’s natural environment, but it relies on a complete reference library of DNA barcodes.

As part of a team, you will carry out the bioinformatic work for the National Biodiversity DNA Library and related projects.  Primarily this includes the use of established bioinformatics pipelines on HPC resources, data quality checking, data management and delivery of digital data (DNA sequences, images, metadata) for many thousands of Australian animal and plant specimens in a high-throughput fashion. The combination of degraded / fragmented DNA from up to 150 year old samples and high-throughput DNA sequencing poses a unique challenge, and High Performance Computing (HPC) resources are used to piece together the genomic information and validate the data in the face of low sequence read coverage.

In this role you will:

  • Liaise with stakeholders to understand their needs and carry out bioinformatic processing of DNA sequence and specimen data.
  • Contribute to the improvement and development of cutting-edge platform technology.
  • Help establish and use, or interface with, a Laboratory Inventory Management System (LIMS).
  • Work collaboratively across the collections to support the relocation to the new facility. 
  • Make significant contributions to the interpretation and communication of research or technological results. 
  • Participate in planning projects and accept responsibility for the scheduling and completion of major parts of projects.
  • Provide coaching, on-the-job training and instruction to colleagues, as required.


Location:  Black Mountain (Canberra) ACT
Salary: AU$100k - AU$108k per annum, plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 2 years (with possibility for extension), full-time
Reference:  77882

To be considered you will need:

  • A relevant qualification or equivalent work experience in bioinformatics or programming.
  • Extensive practical experience in the processing and analyses of DNA sequence data.
  • The ability to efficiently process large data sets on HPC resources.
  • The ability and willingness to ensure data quality through automated and careful manual QC checks.
  • A track record of reliable data management, backing-up and workflow documentation.
  • A history of both successful teamwork and working independently to meet agreed objectives.

For full details about this role please view the Position Details

Eligibility

Applications are open to:

  • Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents
  • New Zealand Citizens
  • Australian temporary residents who have the right to work for the expected duration of the term (at least to end of December, 2023), with no requirement for sponsorship.

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Clearance 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 online and provide a CV and cover letter outlining your motivations for applying and your suitability for the role, paying particular attention to the requirements outlined in the Position Details.

Applications Close

Sunday 24 October, 2021 (11pm AEDT)


We reserve the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date.