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

• Do you have a PhD in plant pathology, plant sciences and/or breeding?
• Do you want to conduct innovative research in optimising genetic control of wheat rusts?
• Join our Agricultural and Food Team in Canberra, Australia!

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.

The CERC Fellow will develop and optimise cutting edge methodologies to use gene editing as a strategy to deliver durable rust resistance in wheat.  The project requires a scientist who is independent and can drive the discovery of promoter targets to enhance Adult Plant Disease Resistance by translating methodologies developed for mammalian system to plant protoplasts and launching a high-throughput screening of plant susceptibility genes using RNAi technologies.

The CERC Fellow will work as part of a large multidisciplinary team conducting research at the leading edge of the field of plant-pathogen interactions and with a strong record of high impact publications.

Your duties will include:

• Contributing to a research program aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of resistance to wheat rust fungi and by utilising state-of-the-art techniques in molecular biology, genomics and biotechnology.
• Carrying out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO that will, where possible, lead to novel and important scientific outcomes.
• Undertaking regular reviews of relevant literature and patents.
• Communicating results through regular team meetings and group level presentations.
• Recognising and exploiting opportunities for innovation and the generation of new theoretical perspectives, and progress opportunities for the further development or creation of new lines of research and external investments.

Location: Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT
Salary: AU$92k - AU$101k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term until 31 March 2026
Reference: 92632

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as plant pathology, plant sciences, and/or breeding with a strong background in biotechnology and molecular biology. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or part-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Evidence of experience that includes the application of molecular biology methodologies to problems in crop improvement, especially genetics of cereals, and genetic resistance to plant pathogens. Evidence of experience with plant growth facilities, plant propagation and maintenance.
• Demonstrated experience in development or implementation of mutagenesis and RNAi techniques, genome editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR-Cas) and gene expression analysis.
• High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including the presentation of research outcomes at national and international conferences.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

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

13 June 2023, 11:00pm AEST