Research Projects – CSOF4

Role summary for potential applicants

Advertised Job Title: / Molecular Diagnostics Scientist
Reference Number: / 42610
Classification: / CSOF4
Salary Range: / AU $78K to AU $88K plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location: / Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Australia
Tenure: / Indefinite/Ongoing
Relocation assistance: / Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Applications are open to: / Australian Citizens Only
Functional Area: / Research Projects
% Client Focus - Internal: / 80%
% Client Focus - External: / 20%
Reports to the: / Bioassay R&D Team Leader
Number of Direct Reports: / 0
Role Overview:
The role of Research Projects Officers in CSIRO is to collaborate in scientific activities with other research staff usually by assisting with detailed planning, undertaking or assisting with experimental and observational work, and in carrying out the more practical aspects of the work.
The Bioassay Research and Development (Bioassay R&D) team at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) is responsible for developing and producing novel bioreagents and assays for the detection of exotic pathogens, and for maintaining existing reagents that are used in approved diagnostic tests for veterinary diseases. Bioassay RD outputs facilitate AAHL’s diagnostic and surveillance programs in Australia and abroad and enable research into emergency animal diseases (EAD). These broad activities fulfil diagnostic and surveillance roles that inform Australia’s response to endemic and exotic biological threats to animal health and associated industries. This important role forms an integral part of the Diagnosis, Surveillance and Response program’s mandate and, through its annual performance goals, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources’ ability to ensure Australian biosecurity.
Duties and Key Result Areas:
·  Conduct high-throughput sample processing and testing workflows.
·  Develop new nucleic acid-based tests for novel agents/isolates.
·  Design and perform PCR, RT-PCR and qPCR.
·  Conduct troubleshooting PCR-based tests and correcting observed issues.
·  Contribute novel ideas and approaches in support of scientific investigations in the areas of
molecular diagnosis, biodetection and assay development.
·  Contribute to regular discussions aimed at identifying assay development requirements.
·  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, occasionally regionally dispersed research team, to carry out tasks under limited direction in support of scientific research.
·  Work collaboratively with colleagues within your team, the business unit and across CSIRO, to reach objectives.
·  Allocate activities, direct tasks and manage resources to meet objectives.
·  Foster open communication, provide coaching and on-the-job training to both support and research colleagues, as required, and provide recognition and acknowledgement for staff achievements.
·  Adapt and/or develop original experimental methods/concepts/ideas in support of existing and further research.
·  Abide by and promote AAHL’s microbiological security regulations and conduct work consistent with CSIRO’s Equal Employment Opportunity, CSIRO’s Values, Health, Safety and Environment plans and policies, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.
·  Other duties as directed.
Security Assessment and Microbiological Security Requirements for Personnel Working on the AAHL Site.
·  The nature of our work requires that each person working on site must comply with the conditions described below.
·  The appointee is required to pass a security clearance at a level appropriate to duties of the position. Confirmation of the appointment is subject to obtaining that clearance.
·  It is essential that all work on exotic or emerging diseases carried out at AAHL is conducted in a safe manner to prevent the escape of the disease agents used, and to this end, all activities and personnel will be subject to appropriate microbiological security measures. Consequently, while working at AAHL, you may not reside on a property on which are kept any of the following animals: sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, horses, asses and mules, any other cloven-hoofed animal, fowls, turkeys, geese, domestic ducks, caged birds, emus or ostriches. Personnel working with diseases of aquatic animals may not keep aquarium fish at their place of residence and personnel working with cane toad material must avoid contact with amphibians.
·  In addition, for a period of seven days after working in the microbiologically secure area of AAHL, personnel may not have close contact with any of the above animals, amphibians or birds or the actual places where these animals are held, or visit any aquatic animal farm or aquatic animal hatchery.
·  Working in the barrier maintained Small Animal Facility requires avoidance of additional animals such as mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits and poultry 3 days prior to arrival.
·  It is usual practice in laboratories where work with infectious disease agents is carried out, to collect a blood sample from personnel and store serum for future reference. This is a safety precaution, so that if any person becomes ill in the future, serum samples are available for testing.
·  Personnel must abide by Occupational Health, Safety and Environment regulations. Safety signs and directives issued by CSIRO personnel must be complied with at all times.
Selection Criteria:
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed
Pre-Requisites:
1.  Education/Qualifications: Relevant Masters/Honours degree (or equivalent) with experience and competencies in biosciences or biotechnology.
2.  Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to anticipate the interests and knowledge level of an audience and present information and feedback accordingly.
3.  Behaviours: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.
4.  Adaptability: The ability to effectively manage a number of competing priorities simultaneously, and carry out non-routine tasks under limited direction. For example, in the event of an emergency disease outbreak the candidate may be called upon to contribute to the response activities.
5.  Problem Solving: Proven ability to investigate underlying issues of complex and ill-defined problems and develop appropriate responses by adapting/creating and testing alternative solutions.
Essential Criteria:
1.  Demonstrated ability to develop new nucleic acid-based tests for novel agents/isolates, redevelop existing tests and perform preliminary validation of newly developed or redeveloped tests.
2.  Demonstrated ability to evaluate and develop high-throughput sample processing and testing workflows e.g. nucleic acid extraction procedures and shotgun sequencing techniques.
3.  Demonstrable understanding of classical and next generation diagnostic approaches and methodologies
4.  Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting PCR-based tests and correcting observed issues.
5.  Demonstrated experience in classical and next generation diagnostic approaches and methodologies.
6.  The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed research team, and carry out tasks autonomously in support of scientific research.
7.  Demonstrated ability and willingness to contribute novel ideas and approaches in support of scientific investigations.
Desirable Criteria:
1.  Ability to assess and adapt to new platforms, reagents and processes as they become available.
2.  Demonstrated willingness and ability to assist in the discovery and characterisation of pathogens detected/identified using NGS techniques.
Other special requirements:
Applicants must :
1.  Be willing and able to adhere to CSIRO AAHL microbiological security requirements and HSE policies.
2.  Be willing and able to be vaccinated against rabies, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis or other agents.
SECURITY
This is a security assessed position. Applicants must be an Australian citizen, with successful candidate either holding or having the ability to obtain a Negative Vetting 1, Australian Government security clearance.
Note: CSIRO utilises the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency to conduct its security clearances. Further information regarding security clearances may be found at http://defence.gov.au/AGSVA/resources.asp
To obtain an Australian Government security clearance, 10 years’ worth of background information verifiable by independent and reliable sources is required.
CSIRO Values:
As Australia’s Innovation Catalyst, CSIRO has strategic actions underpinned by behaviours aligned to Excellent science, Inclusion, trust & respect, Health, safety & environment and Deliver on commitments. In your application and at interview you will need to demonstrate alignment with these behaviours.
Other Information:
How to Apply
Please provide enough information relevant to the selection criteria for this position to enable the assessment panel to determine your suitability, and upload one document containing your CV/resume and cover letter.
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 984 220 and someone will be able to assist you. Outside business hours please email: .
Referees: If you do not already have the names and contact details of two previous supervisors or academic/ professional referees included in your resume/CV please add these before uploading your CV.
Contact: If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact:
Dr Grant Peck via email: or phone: +61 3 5227 5793
Please do not email your application directly to Dr Peck. Applications received via this method will not be considered.
About CSIRO
Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments, industries, business and communities across the nation.
Find out more! www.csiro.au.
CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory
The CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) has a national and regional role in the diagnosis and research of emergency (exotic, emerging and serious) and zoonotic diseases of animals. This responsibility extends to provision of ongoing analysis of outbreaks, monitoring and characterization of the virus strain variation, and assisting in the establishment of disease freedom. To achieve and sustain diagnostic excellence the Diagnostic function is underpinned by related research efforts. The disciplines involved in this work include experimental and diagnostic pathology, virology, serology, electron microscopy, immunology, genomics and molecular biology, all of which may be undertaken under stringent microbiological security conditions.
Access to both BSL3 and BSL4 containment facilities supports investigations utilizing live viruses, including serious zoonotic agents, in both cell and whole animal systems. The laboratory has an enviable track record in scientific research related to emerging infectious diseases and outputs from these activities contribute data to CSIRO’s area of focus around biosecurity within the National Innovation System.
Find out more about AAHL at: http://www.csiro.au/places/AAHL.html