CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Genome Engineering and Biocontrol - CSIRO - ResearchCareer

First listed on: 22 May 2019

CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Genome Engineering and Biocontrol

The Opportunity

  • Work in Genome Engineering involving a unique collaboration with University of Adelaide
  • Prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowship on offer - kick-start your research career
  • Join CSIRO for this exciting postdoctoral fellowship!

 
The Position
CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.
As a postdoctoral fellow you will work in the field of gnome engineering involving a unique collaboration with one of Australia’s leading mouse genome engineering facilities at the University of Adelaide, under Professor Paul Thomas. Your work will also link with a major international initiative lead by Island Conservation, the Genetic Biocontrol of Invasive Rodents (GBIRd), that is investigating strategies to save endangered island-based bird species from the impact of mice and rats (currently tackled poorly by poison baiting).

You will work with Prof. Thomas to design, develop and construct mouse molecular genetic systems with the objective of population growth limitation (alternatives to classically described gene drive systems), with the aim to utilize the biocontainment speciality of the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) to handle and examine the function of such systems, with the highest degree of safety and control.

Your duties will include

  • Carry out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO that will, where possible, lead to novel and important scientific outcomes – with a particular focus on opportunities in genome engineering and biocontrol systems
  • Recognise and exploit opportunities for innovation and the generation of new theoretical perspectives, and progress opportunities for the further development or creation of new lines of research – particularly at the interface between animal and molecular systems with population and landscape modelling of biocontrol deployment
  • Utilise design thinking methodology to plan and prepare research proposals – particularly through extending networks to work with and access international resources for conservation and invasive species control
  • Apply non-academic impact methodology to research projects – particularly in the area of social impact and acceptability of genetic approaches to conservation and the environment

Location:      Geelong, VIC (some part of the Fellowship will be in Adelaide, SA)
Salary:          AU$ 83,687 plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:         Specified Term of 3 years
Reference:    61829

To be successful you will need

Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.
1. A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as genome engineering or recombinant DNA techniques applied in animal systems.
Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or part time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
2. Demonstrated high level skills in molecular biology in particular genome engineering tools such as CRISPR.
3. A strong knowledge of animal genetics such as mouse molecular genetics.
4. A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.
5. High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including publishing in peer reviewed journals and/or authorship of scientific papers, reports, and presenting at national and/or international conferences.
6. A record of science innovation and creativity, including the ability & willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations.

 

Desirable Criteria:
1. Research experience that complements Essential Criterion 1, such as transgenic technologies applied in complex animal or plant systems.
2. Experience or working knowledge of biocontrol methodologies particularly molecular genetic approaches.
3. Remain productive, positive and resilient in complex, ambiguous and/or uncertain environments.
4. The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, potentially regionally dispersed research team, plus the motivation and discipline to carry out autonomous research.

To be eligible for this postdoctoral fellowship, you will have less than 3 years (or part-time equivalent) of relevant research experience since gaining your PhD.
 

Special Requirements:
Appointment to this role may be subject to conditions including security/national police/medical/character clearance requirements. Applicants who are not Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents may be required to undergo additional security clearances, which may include medical examinations and an international standardised test of English language proficiency (i.e. IELTS test).

Appointment to this role will require the following:
• National Police Check
• National Health Security Check

As the appointment may require work to be undertaken at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) candidates should be able and willing to comply with the Security Assessment and Microbiological Security Requirements for Personnel Working on the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) Site specified in detail in PD attached.
For details about who to contact and for more information please view the Position Description (PD)

 

CSIRO’s Commitment to Diversity
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

Friday 21 June, 2019 (11:59pm AEST)