Research Projects – CSOF4 Molecular Research Technician

Role summary for potential applicants

Advertised Job Title: / Molecular Research Technician
Reference Number: / 42022
Classification: / CSOF4
Salary Range: / AU $78,479 to AU $88,787 plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location: / ACT, Crace and Black Mountain sites, Australian National Wildlife Collection
Tenure: / 2 Year Term
Relocation assistance: / Provided
Applications are open to: / Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
  For Specified Term positions, we will accept applications from Temporary Residents with working rights for the length of the term, who do not require sponsorship.
Functional Area: / Research Projects
% Client Focus - Internal: / 100%
% Client Focus - External: / 0%
Reports to the: / Team Leader
Number of Direct Reports: / No direct reports
Role Overview:
Future Science Platforms are an investment in science that underpins innovation and that has the potential to help reinvent and create new industries for Australia. FSPs will see us grow the capability of new generation of researchers and allow Australia to attract the best students and experts to work with us on future science. They are strategic investments aimed at developing capacity in areas of identified future importance for Australia. FSPs are both impact and science focused, developing innovative scientific solutions with industry, government and university partners. They support world class, coherent and creative research teams which integrate science and delivery over the long term, looking to the future science needs of CSIRO and our partners with a 5 to 10 year vision.
The Environomics Future Science Platform. Environomics is genomics for environmental science, a frontier science that brings together advances in DNA sequencing, evolutionary biology, big-data and environmental modelling. Just as genomics has revolutionised agriculture and medicine, Environomics will shift Australia towards a whole-of-environment understanding of the genetic roots and relationships of our biodiversity, from our evolutionary hotspots, to the trillions of microbes essential to our soils, to the genes that give plants drought tolerance. Environomics will allow us to see beyond the Australian landscape to the genescape, transforming our ability to manage our biodiversity and make use of the genetic resources locked inside.
CSIRO Research Projects Officers: The role of Research Projects staff 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.
Project Specific Information
This role involves using genomic approaches to support research delivering novel environmental science outcomes in the areas of biodiversity, biosecurity and evolutionary biology. We are looking for an experienced and technically skilled molecular biologist with a willingness to explore new methodology and analytical methods. You will be part of a team working on some of Australia’s most valuable historical specimens housed within CSIRO’s National Research Collections, to discover long-term gene-environment interactions and their impact on the evolution of the Australian biota.
You will have highly developed molecular optimisation skills, relish creative problem solving and have the ability to draw novel solutions from unrelated or unexpected fields. You will have strong technical skills in molecular biology, including demonstrated experience with DNA and RNA extraction, and subsequent library preparation methods for whole genome sequencing, RNA-seq, ChIP-Seq and/or bisulphite sequencing. A capacity to work with challenging or poor quality specimens is key to success in this role (e.g. formalin preserved/ historical/ trace quantity/ ancient samples). The candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team of staff working within the National Research Collections Australia and will support the activities of the new Environomics Future Science Platform (details below). They will need to be an effective communicator with a collaborative approach to research and have experience in preparing drafts of scientific papers and reports.
Duties and Key Result Areas:
·  Conduct genomic analysis on a range of organisms, with a specific focus on formalin preserved tissues and other low quality specimens (taxa may include terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates, plants and insects).
·  Adapt and develop original experimental methods in support of existing and future research.
·  Contribute to the maintenance of collection databases and management of associated data.
·  Undertake initial data analysis and work collaboratively with bioinformatics experts to develop novel pipelines.
·  Prepare draft reports and scientific papers.
·  Communicate effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIROs reputation and development of collaborations across the FSP.
·  Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, to carry out tasks under limited direction in support of scientific research.
·  Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Health, Safety and Environment plans and policies, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.
·  Other duties as directed.
Selection Criteria:
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed
Pre-Requisites:
1.  Education/Qualifications: A relevant Bachelors/Masters Degree &/or equivalent experience in genomics or epigenomics.
2.  Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, especially to convey research results and outcomes and prepare draft reports and scientific papers.
3.  Behaviours: Demonstrated history of collegiate and respectful behaviours and attitudes.
4.  Adaptability: The ability to effectively manage a number of competing priorities simultaneously, carry out non-routine tasks, as well as to research and learn new methods and approaches under general direction.
5.  Problem Solving: Proven ability to investigate routine problems by identifying and considering the implications of a range of available alternative solutions.
Essential Criteria:
1.  Advanced knowledge of and experience in genomic and/or epigenomic laboratory methods.
2.  Proven ability to optimise complicated molecular techniques, continually assess their effectiveness for purpose and make recommendations about their future application.
3.  Experience working with challenging sample types including but not limited to: formalin preserved/historical/trace quantity/ancient samples.
4.  Experience with data analysis, data management and interpretation.
5.  Demonstrated strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing work priorities.
6.  The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary research team, and carry out tasks under general direction.
7.  The ability & willingness to contribute novel ideas and approaches in support of scientific investigations.
Desirable Criteria:
1.  Ability to write or draft scientific reports and papers.
2.  Experience conducting research within a museum setting.
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 apply for this position online at www.csiro.au/careers. You may be asked to provide additional information (online) relevant to the selection criteria. If so, then responding will enhance your application so please take the time to provide relevant succinct answers. Applicants who do not provide the information when requested may not be considered.
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 Clare Holleley via email: : phone: +61 2 6242 1545.
Please do not email your application directly to Dr Holleley. 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.
About the Environomics FSP Future Science Platform
For more information, see the Environomics FSP website.
About National Research Collections of Australia
CSIRO is the custodian of a number of collections of animal and plant specimens that contribute to national and international biological knowledge. Together, they constitute a vast storehouse of information about Australia’s biodiversity and underpin a significant part of the country’s taxonomic, genetic, agricultural and ecological research - making these vital resources for conservation and the development of sustainable land and marine management systems.
Visit our website: http://www.csiro.au/en/Research/Collections