The Opportunity

• Do you have experience in analysis of plant structure and functional plant anatomy?
• Use your skill to produce innovative cross-discipline research and deliver impact in crop science
• Join CSIRO – Australia’s premier science & technology research organisation

The Black Mountain MicroImaging Centre (BMIC) is a state-of-the-art Centre which builds and fosters human and scientific capabilities, to produce innovative cross-discipline research and deliver impact in crop science. BMIC is equipped with general PC2 lab facilities, confocal, fluorescent, scanning electron, dissecting and brightfield microscopes, embedding and sectioning equipment and Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscope/microscope.

The successful applicant will work as an integral member of the BMIC team, a small, energetic and motivated team, and collaborate with scientists on individual projects as required and as nominated by Dr. Rolland, Manager of BMIC. This role also involves training of students, postdocs, technicians and scientists in the use of microscopy instruments and in specific microscopy techniques and contributing to project design. The role will involve a high level of collaboration with and support for the BMIC manager, and a strong work ethic around health and safety. The successful candidate will be expected to be highly self-motivated and to willingly contribute to the effective running of BMIC as a whole, including by taking on the role of BMIC lab custodian.

Your duties will include

• Under the general direction of the BMIC manager, participate in planning of the microscopy component of a wide range of projects focussed on crops and other plants, with responsibility for the scheduling and completion of project work, including allocating and directing tasks where appropriate and documentation of methods and procedures.
• Provide timely, accurate and professional advice to staff about structural and developmental aspects of their research.
• Adapt and/or develop original experimental methods, concepts and ideas for the imaging component of existing and further research, promptly addressing where methods may not be defined. Initiative is required in seeking new approaches to meet experimental objectives.
• Develop high-level expertise in various types of microscopy, and/or digital image analysis and image management.
• Make significant contributions to the interpretation and communication, both internal and external, of research results and collaboration on drafting and delivering presentations to, and/or detailed written reports for, clients and the scientific and technology community.
• A significant component of this position is to provide on-the-job training and instruction in microscopy, imaging, and other relevant instruments and techniques to colleagues, including visitors, students and postdocs, and managing resources to meet objectives, as required.
• Ensure the smooth operation of BMIC by carrying out the role of lab custodian. This includes maintaining adequate levels of consumables, keeping the laboratories tidy, assisting in upkeep of specialised equipment and software, conducting regular PC2 audits and promoting best HSE practices in BMIC.

Location: Black Mountain, ACT
Salary: $82,450 to $93,280 plus up to 15.4% Superannuation
Tenure: Indefinite
Reference: 59219

Pre-Requisite/Eligibility

PhD in Molecular or Cellular Plant Biology, or equivalent experience.

To be successful you will need

Essential Criteria:

• Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience in analysis of plant structure and functional plant anatomy.
• Demonstrated experience in specimen preparation for light and electron microscopy and in use of light, fluorescence, confocal and electron microscopes.
• Experience in digital imaging and image analysis.
• Proven ability to work with minimum supervision, both independently and as part of a team, on a variety of research topics.
• Demonstrated ability to use initiative in solving technical and research problems.
• Demonstrated ability to organise data and resources, and to work to defined timelines and milestones.
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to liaise with staff at all levels with professionalism. This includes the ability to train staff and students on the use of specialized equipment as well as provide basic guidance in the design of experiments using these instruments.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in presentation of results at conferences and in publication of scientific papers.
• Experience in cross-program and cross-institution research collaborations.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the specialist areas of image analysis, including deconvolution and 3D reconstruction will be considered highly desirable.
• Experience in resin-embedding, sectioning and immunostaining of plant tissues for light and electron microscopy.
• Experience in lab management. 

For details about who to contact and for more information please view Position Description

We’re working hard to recruit diverse people and ensure all our people feel supported to do their best work and empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

Flexible Working Arrangements

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. Balance 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO you can be part of helping to solve big, complex problems that make a real difference to our future. We spark off each other, learn from each other, trust each other and collaborate to achieve more than we could individually in a supportive, rewarding, inclusive and truly flexible environment. 

Apply Online 

To apply online, please provide a CV and cover letter addressing all the selection criteria listed in the Position Description.

Applications Close

Tuesday, 18 December 2018