Research Scientist - Digital Phenotyping - [Archived Advertisement]

The Opportunity

• Apply your post-grad biology research & statistical analysis expertise 
• Enjoy a varied role that takes you from office to field
• Join CSIRO's Agriculture & Food business unit & contribute to canola disease research 

CSIRO’s mandate is to deliver world-class research that provides innovative solutions for industry, government and the community. As a Research Scientist on the Biotic Interactions team with CSIRO's Agriculture & Food Business Unit, you will be part of a dynamic program delivering science that underpins the ongoing productivity and sustainability of Australia’s agricultural industry. 

In this role, you will develop methods for high throughput analysis of images of canola disease caused by a fungal pathogen, a major economic constraint to canola production in Australia and worldwide. Your role will utilise and contribute to methods to capture images of different disease phenotypes, analytics workflows and the analysis of large phenotyping datasets.

As part of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Blackleg in Canola project, you will have opportunities to engage across CSIRO with the High Resolution Plant Phenomics Centre (HRPPC) and the Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Future Science Platform.  The project, ‘Phenotyping for quantitative resistance to Blackleg disease in canola’, aims to identify genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the blackleg phenotype. A robust and repeatable phenotyping method underpins breeding efforts to develop cultivars with high levels of quantitative resistance

This is an exciting opportunity to join a diverse team of researchers and collaborators in a world-class organisation.  We encourage early career scientists at all levels to apply.  

Your duties will include:

• Assisting in planning and conducting research investigations, requiring originality, creativity and innovation to identify quantitative disease resistance in host germplasm.
• Refining techniques for the capture and analysis of images of disease phenotypes.
• Managing collection, processing and curation of data from experiments conducted in controlled environments and the field.
• Using advanced statistical approaches to precisely and repeatably quantify disease phenotypes, and test and validate these methods.

Location: Canberra (Black Mountain), ACT
Salary: AU$100k - AU108k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 2 years
Reference: 75324

To be considered you will need:

• A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant field such as Biology or Statistics.
• Skills in data management, image analysis, experimental design and statistical analysis, including proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g. Python, R).
• Experience designing and undertaking biological experiments. 
• To be able to work effectively with research teams, plus have the motivation and discipline to carry out autonomous research.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with a demonstrated publication history of authorship on scientific paper in peer-reviewed journals and/or reports.  
• The ability to undertake original, creative and innovative research by generating and pursuing novel ideas and solutions to scientific research problems.
• A current driver’s licence.

The successful candidate must also be willing and able to conduct overnight trips to field sites in regional locations.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

To be eligible for this position you must currently be residing in Australia as an Australian or New Zealand Citizen, an Australian Permanent or an Australian Temporary Resident for the duration of the proposed term (without the requirement for sponsorship by CSIRO). 

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent. Additional integrity checks may be required for specific roles which require security clearance for working with children, Australian Government cybersecurity requirements or other identified security roles.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

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

3rd August 2021, 11:00pm AEST