• Do you have (or will shortly obtain) a PhD in plant physiology, molecular biology and/or biochemistry?
• Work on a project using gene editing to increase the soluble betaglucan content of wheat endosperm
• Join the CSIRO Agriculture & Food team for this exciting postdoctoral fellowship

The Position:

This position is for up to 24 months and will work closely with leading Research Scientists in their respective field. The postdoc will carry out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO with the possibility of novel and important scientific outcomes. Findings will be presented in appropriate publications and at conferences.

Cereal grains are major sources of dietary fibre, an important contributor to human health. For instance oats are well known to have cholesterol lowering properties due to the high levels of soluble betaglucan in the grain. However wheat has only low levels of betaglucan and it is insoluble. While the popularity of oats is growing it is still a minor cereal when compared to wheat, thus a greater impact on heart health can be achieved through development of wheat with high levels of soluble betaglucan in the grain. Our knowledge of betaglucan biosynthesis has increased dramatically over the last few years through structure function studies of the CslF6 protein and we have used genetic modification to create prototype high solubility betaglucan wheats. We now wish to use gene editing techniques to modify the endogenous wheat CslF6 gene in order to create similar non-GM wheats. The project aims to deliver the first demonstration in wheat endosperm of the use of gene editing to change the functionality of a protein, as well as the promoter of the encoded gene to alter expression in a tissue specific manner.

Your duties will include:

• Under the direction of senior research scientists, carrying out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO that will, where possible, lead to novel and important scientific outcomes.
• Producing quality research in the area of wheat grain quality and gene editing.
• Constructing gene editing vectors targeting the CslF6 promoter as well as specific amino acid changes in the CslF6 protein.
• Developing wheat plants with altered expression of CslF6 in the grain and analyse grain composition and betaglucan structure.
• Undertaking regular reviews of relevant literature and patents.

Location: Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT
Salary: $82k to $93k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 2 years
Ref no: 58383

To be successful you will have:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as
• plant physiology, molecular biology and/or biochemistry. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years of relevant postdoctoral experience.
• High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including at national and international conferences.
• Strong background in molecular plant biology or equivalent. Strong background in plant metabolism and biochemistry or equivalent.
• Experience with molecular techniques for plant transformation and/or gene discovery.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary plus the motivation and discipline to carry out autonomous research.

Before applying please view the full position details and selection criteria here: Position Details

About Us

We imagine. We collaborate. We innovate. At CSIRO, we do the extraordinary every day. We innovate for tomorrow and help improve today – for our customers, all Australians and the world. We do this by using science and technology to solve real issues. Diversity is the compass that navigates our innovation. We provide an inclusive workplace that respects, values and actively pursues the benefits of a diverse workforce.

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 Balance

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.  

Applications Close:  10:59pm AEDT, 31 October 2018.