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

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.

The Opportunity

The Environomics Future Science Platform is using genomics, nanotechnologies and data science to revolutionise environmental science and natural resource management. The Environomics FSP maintains a varied portfolio of projects that aim to gather more information, more quickly and accurately from the environment using cutting-edge genomic technologies.

By joining the Environomics Future Science Platform as a Genomics Research Technician you will assist with the design and conduct technically challenging research projects that will explore new methods to sample environmental DNA (eDNA), particularly from the air. These will involve working across disciplines, including collaborations with engineers, materials scientists, molecular biologists, and environmental scientists. 

Your duties will include:

• Contributing to research and/or technology through the development of original and adapted experimental methods.
• Participating in planning projects and accepting responsibility for scheduling and completion of major parts of the project, including evaluation of options, experimental design, data collection and analysis.
• Making significant contributions to the interpretation and communication of research or technological results.
• Creating next generation sequencing libraries from DNA and RNA for high throughput sequencing.
• Conducting quantitative PCR experiments, including assay optimisation.
• Carrying out genetic analyses using state-of-the-art software packages.
• Maintaining and managing laboratory equipment and consumables required for research projects.
• Maintaining a thorough and complete record of all laboratory work.
• Working collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed research team carrying out tasks in support of CSIRO’s scientific objectives.

Location: Canberra (Black Mountain)
Salary: AU$89,680- AU$101,459 plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 2 years until 30 June 2025
Reference: 92871

To be considered you will need:

Essential

Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

• Relevant honours degree or equivalent work experience in a molecular genetics laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience generating RNA and/or DNA libraries for high throughput sequencing.
• Demonstrated experience with the design and implementation of quantitative PCR experiments.
• A record of science innovation and creativity, including the ability & willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a team across multiple projects with competing needs.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to undertake repetitive tasks, keep accurate records and manage data effectively, and plan and schedule workflow in a timely and technically sound manner.

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience to undertake fieldwork to collect samples for DNA/RNA extraction.
• Experience in use of bioinformatic pipelines for the analysis of high throughput sequencing data
• Demonstrated experience collecting and analysing environmental DNA samples.
• Demonstrated experience using trace DNA-optimised workflows or, alternatively, experience in sterile technique with an appreciation for cross-contamination prevention.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens or 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.

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. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs, whether we are undertaking research, engaging with the public or nurturing future scientists in person or online. Source – CSIRO Child Safe policy 2023

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

16 June 2023, 11:00pm AEST/AEDT

Shortlisting for this role may take place as applications are received. We therefore reserve the right to close this vacancy once a suitable candidate has been appointed. Please consider applying as soon as possible.