Research Technician - Molecular Virology

The Opportunity

• Immerse Yourself in an Inclusive Culture
• Use your Skills and Make an Impact on CSIROs Health and Biosecurity!
• Join CSIRO - Australia's Premier Science and Technology Research Organisation

The role of Technical Staff in CSIRO is to provide support for scientific research in a diverse range of laboratory and field situations across a range of different research projects. This support consists of the application of accepted technical practices and the development of new practices. The work is usually carried out as a member of a centralised service.

The Research Technician – Molecular Virology will be part of a multidisciplinary team investigating the epidemiology of rabbit caliciviruses in the context of their use as biocontrol agents to manage feral rabbit populations in Australia. The Technician will provide essential support for the development and validation of serological and molecular assays to discriminate between different caliciviruses affecting rabbit populations in Australia. They will also assist with other project aspects such as histopathology, field work, and animal husbandry.

Your duties will include:

• Under technical direction undertaking experiments, laboratory analyses or technology development activities (some non-routine) using a range of techniques, often working on a number of parallel and competing tasks.
  • Optimising, running, and analysing serological assays (ELISAs and Luminex assays).
  • Assisting with molecular research investigating the epidemiology and fundamental biology of rabbit caliciviruses (including RNA extractions, RT-qPCR, RT-PCR, Sanger sequencing, and Illumina and Nanopore sequencing).
  • Assisting with other project aspects such as histopathology, general laboratory duties, animal husbandry, and sample collection.
• Undertaking and completing tasks under technical direction, working with discretion to decide on the timing of operations within the work team’s plan and planning ahead to meet experiment and/or project demands.
  • Coordinating project field work activities.
  • Assisting with maintaining databases and accurate, up to date laboratory protocols and records.
• Overseeing the activities of less experienced staff and providing guidance on experimental/technological techniques and protocols.
• Designing new processes by adapting existing techniques and components to meet special circumstances or undertaking modifications to methods requiring some innovation.
• Communicating openly, effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.

Location:  Black Mountain, ACT  
Salary:  AU$63K - AU$80K plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:  Specified Term of 3 years (Full-time)
Reference:  71950

To be considered you will need:

• Relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience in Molecular Biology or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge or skills in Molecular Biology and immunological techniques, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, Luminex assays, nucleic acid extractions, PCR, quantitative PCR, and/or sequencing.
• Experience effectively managing several competing priorities simultaneously and carrying out non-routine tasks under general direction.
• The ability to communicate courteously and effectively with other members of the project team, external collaborators, and stakeholders.

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

Eligibility

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

Applicants must be Australian/New Zealand citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or Australian temporary residents currently residing in Australia.

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.

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

23:59 AEDT 22nd March 2021