CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Environmental DNA Metabarcoding of Australian Marine Fishes - CSIRO - ResearchCareer

First listed on: 07 July 2020

CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Environmental DNA Metabarcoding of Australian Marine Fishes

The Opportunity
  • Kick-start your research career!
  • Work with Australia's leading scientists undertaking cutting-edge research in eDNA and marine biology.
  • Join CSIRO and the team at the Australian National Fish Collection

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.

In this prestigious Postdoctoral Fellow position, you will develop and apply innovative environmental DNA (eDNA) methods for studying Australian marine fish biodiversity. As the successful candidate, you will work with scientists within the CSIRO Australian National Fish Collection (ANFC), as well as collaborators (marine ecologists and geneticists) from other CSIRO teams and Australian Universities. This project will provide you the opportunity for collaboration with leading scientists in the fields of eDNA and marine biodiversity research.

The project’s focus will be applying cutting-edge laboratory and analytical approaches to evaluate the capabilities of eDNA for fish biodiversity surveys. The emphasis will be on producing high quality eDNA datasets that can be compared directly with conventional fish biodiversity studies.

In this role you will:
  • Work with the ANFC Science Leader and other internal and external collaborators to design and implement an exemplar Australian marine fish eDNA biodiversity research project.
  • Implement, undertake and oversee field-based eDNA collections from several marine sites around Australia
  • Carry out and coordinate laboratory analysis of eDNA samples in CSIRO genetics laboratories and through external genomic service providers. Techniques include DNA extractions, PCR and high-throughput amplicon sequencing.
  • Carry out and coordinate bioinformatic analysis of eDNA metabarcoding datasets
  • Undertake statistical analysis of biodiversity datasets with an emphasis on comparing conventional biodiversity datasets collected by collaborators with eDNA data produced by the successful applicant during the project
  • Write scientific publications and present research outcomes at national and international conferences

Location: Hobart, TAS
Salary: AU$86k - AU$94k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference: 67720

To be considered you will need:
  • A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as molecular ecology, molecular biology, marine biology, conservation biology.
    Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or part time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
  • Demonstrated experience working in genetics laboratories with practical experience in eDNA technologies including PCR and high-throughput amplicon sequencing
  • An ability to carry out bioinformatic analysis of high-throughput amplicon sequencing datasets
  • Excellent inter-personal skills and the ability to manage complex projects with a range of collaborators
  • High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including the presentation of research outcomes at national and international conferences.
  • A sound history of publication in peer reviewed journals and/or authorship of scientific papers, reports, grant applications or patents.
  • A record of science innovation and creativity, including the ability & willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

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

Eligibility
  • The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent.
  • Hold Australian or NZ citizenship or permanent residency, or currently live in Australia on an eligible temporary residency visa.
  • Must be able to commence in the position by December2020/January 2021.
Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit diverse people and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.

About CSIRO

At CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

09 August 2020, 11:00pm AEST

For the selection documentation and details on how to apply, visit www.csiro.au/careers or call 1300…show number