The Opportunity

• Work within PC3 laboratories to perform DNA sequencing and molecular testing
• Contribute to the evaluation and refinement of sequencing protocols 
• Join CSIRO - Australia's premier science & technology research organisation!

The Diagnosis, Surveillance and Response Program at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) provides diagnostic and research capability required to investigate and respond to high impact and newly emerging diseases affecting livestock and other animals, including zoonotic agents. The molecular diagnostic scientist will play a key role in delivering diagnostic sequencing services as part of the Molecular Diagnostics and Agent Characterisation Teams at AAHL.
Molecular diagnostics underpin AAHL’s front-line routine and Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) diagnostic capability and encompass both PCR and state-of-the-art DNA sequencing methodologies. The Research Technician will be based in the microbiologically secure diagnostic sequencing laboratory. The primary focus will involve the day-to-day operation of the Illumina MiSeq and other Next-Generation Sequencers (NGS) for delivery of quality assured diagnostic services. The Research Technician will contribute to the evaluation and refinement of sequencing protocols, and to application-specific viromic or metagenomics pipelines for animal disease investigations and pathogen characterisation. In addition, the Technician will undertake after-hours diagnostic duties as required and contribute to research projects and other test development activities.

Your duties will include

• Work within PC3 laboratories to perform DNA sequencing and molecular testing under NATA/ISO 17025 accreditation for routine and emergency disease investigation, for commercial clients, and for Reference Laboratory activities.
• Cross-train and participate in a range of technical activities within the AAHL Agent Characterisation Team, as well as contribute to laboratory house-keeping and maintenance activities.
• Contribute to QA requirements, including reporting test results, maintaining up-to-date and accurate test records, annual updates of Standard Operating Procedures and proficiency testing. 
• Work independently or collaboratively with colleagues on assigned research and development activities, including experimental design, implementation and timely completion of this work, as required.

Location:      Geelong, Victoria 
Tenure:         Indefinite 
Salary:          AU$62K – AU$79K + up to 15.4% superannuation
Reference:   61233

To be successful you will need

Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all selection criteria can be appointed.

• Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree or equivalent experience in Biological Sciences or a related discipline. 
• Demonstrated knowledge and technical skills in relation to processing RNA and DNA samples and template libraries for Next-Generation Sequencer (NGS) sequencing using one of the currently available NGS platforms.
• Demonstrated knowledge and technical skills in relation to conventional and real-time PCR, ideally within an accredited diagnostic laboratory environment.
• Ability to work as a member of a larger project team and to form and maintain effective and respectful relationships with a range of colleagues and collaborators. 
• Good interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills including the ability to document results and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients in order to meet project goals and timelines.

For more information please view the 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 outlining your suitability and motivation for the role.

Applications Close

Tuesday, 7th May, 2019.