CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biological Monitoring with Environmental DNA - CSIRO - ResearchCareer

First listed on: 15 July 2020

CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biological Monitoring with Environmental DNA 

The Opportunity
  • Are you an early career researcher?
  • Contribute to research efforts in biodiversity monitoring
  • Join CSIRO - Australia's premier science & technology research organisation

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 position you will undertake research in the emerging field of Environmental DNA (eDNA). Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, where DNA molecules are purified from the environment, sequenced, then used to identify organisms, is revolutionising biodiversity science. Researchers, industry and governments are increasingly incorporating eDNA into their standard toolkits for biodiversity surveys because of its high accuracy and ease of deployment by non-experts.

Largescale ongoing monitoring programs based on eDNA have not yet been implemented. We are seeking to develop a roadmap for the potential integration of eDNA technologies into monitoring of Australia’s Commonwealth marine parks. The roadmap will consider the requirements of government, identify best-practice eDNA field and laboratory protocols, identify the aspects of bio-monitoring that eDNA can best contribute to, consider the unique design and analytical attributes of eDNA monitoring, and determine best practice for databasing these large and unique digital datasets.

Your duties will include:
  • Identify the government’s requirements of biomonitoring of marine reserves and produce draft/final paper capturing these requirements for discussion with stakeholders
  • Identify the capabilities of existing eDNA technologies to address the biomonitoring needs of government and prepare draft/final paper capturing these capabilities for discussion with stakeholders
  • Analyse the unique data and analytical attributes of eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring, and prepare draft/final paper capturing these attributes for discussions with stakeholders.

Location: Hobart, TAS (preferred), Canberra, ACT or Perth, WA

Salary: AU$86k - AU$94k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 2 years
Reference: 67862

To be considered you will need:
  • A doctorate in a relevant discipline area, such as Ecology, Molecular Biology, Conservation Biology.

Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have at least one year of postdoctoral research experience, but no more than six full-time equivalent years of experience since confirmation of your doctorate at the end of this postdoctoral term.

  • Demonstrated understanding of biodiversity monitoring or molecular biology technologies and principles, including eDNA.
  • Demonstrated excellent organisational skills.
  • Demonstrated excellent inter-personal skills.
  • 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

Eligibility

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent.

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

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.

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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

Wednesday 12th August 2020, 11:00pm AEST