• Are you interested in collaborating on insect curation and research?
• Join CSIRO National Collections & Marine Infrastructure
• Work with the world's largest collection of Australian insects and related groups

The Position

The Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC) is the largest collection of Australian insects and related invertebrates in the world, with over 12 million specimens. The collection is an important component of CSIRO’s National Research Collections Australia (NRCA), and critical to the future of insect biodiversity research in Australia. The collection has a staff of 20 including Research Scientists, Postdoctoral Fellows, PhD Students and technical officers who manage and improve the collection and conduct research in Australian insect taxonomy, systematics and related fields. Two Department of Agriculture and Water Resources staff are embedded in the collection and provide critical identifications and advice for biosecurity, in collaboration with ANIC research scientists.

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. This is one of several Technical Assistant positions in ANIC.

Duties of this role include the curation and development of ANIC under the guidance of ANIC Director and ANIC Collection Manager. This will include, but will not be restricted to, specimen mounting, preparation, dispatch, identification and management upon return of specimen loans, molecular laboratory work and support to ANIC staff, in particular to a Research Scientist.

To view the full position description and selection criteria for this role please click here: Position details document

Location:    Black Mountain, ACT
Salary:        AU $80K - AU $91K plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:       Indefinite
Ref No.:      56238

To be successful you will need:

• Relevant Bachelors/Master’s Degree &/or equivalent experience in Biology, molecular biology and/or conservation.
• Experience handling, identifying and curating biological specimens, especially insects, in a natural history museum setting.
• Practical experience in the independent implementation and optimization of molecular laboratory protocols, including experience in DNA extraction, PCR, and Sanger Sequencing.
• The ability to focus on complex tasks and attention to detail.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team, and carry out tasks autonomously in support of scientific research.
• Ability to communicate basic facts in a courteous manner, also providing instruction and assisting other staff to complete allocated tasks and activities.
• Willingness to accept personal responsibility for doing the job well and proven ability to demonstrate initiative and look for ways to make improvements.
• Adaptability to accept the need for change to work routines or technology, and demonstrated ability & willingness to contribute novel ideas and approaches in support of scientific investigations

AT CSIRO WE DO THE EXTRAORDINARY EVERY DAY

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We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Talk to us about how this role could be flexible for you. Find out more! CSIRO Balance

How to apply:

To apply for this position you will be required to submit your resume and cover letter, as one document, highlighting your experience as relevant to the role requirements.

Applications close: 10:59pm AEST on Monday 19th March 2018