CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Tracing Chemicals with ML-driven Electrochemical Sensors - CSIRO - ResearchCareer

First listed on: 11 June 2022

CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Tracing Chemicals with ML-driven Electrochemical Sensors

 

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

The Opportunity

  • Do you have a PhD in analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, material science or computer science?
  • Keen to work with a multi-disciplinary team with expertise in analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, nanomaterial science, mass spectrometry and machine learning?
  • Join our Brisbane-based Agriculture and Food team in this exciting postdoctoral role

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.

We are thrilled to be able to deliver on the commitment we made in our strategy to invest in frontier science with the CSIRO Agriculture & Food Winanga-y Postdoctoral Fellowship scheme. The word Winanga-y (pronounced win-na-gnay) is a cultural asset gifted by the Gomeroi Nation in Myall Vale to CSIRO's Agriculture and Food Business Unit to name the new Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme. Winanga-y means to understand, know, remember, and think.


The CERC Fellow will work on a project, where we aim to build a machine-learning driven electrochemical platform using nanomaterial-modified electrodes for the selective detection of key trace-level food contaminants without the use of a biorecognition element. The CERC Fellow will be embedded in a multi-disciplinary team of scientists with expertise in analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, nanomaterial science, mass spectrometry and machine learning. Supported by the team, the CERC Fellow will (i) combine various material science and electrochemical techniques to enhance sensor sensitivity and create a unique electrochemical fingerprint for the target analyte in a complex food matrix and (ii) deploy machine-learning algorithms to automatically recognise the electrochemical fingerprints and quantify the targets in their matrix. The CERC Fellow will also benchmark the developed sensors against targeted mass spectrometry assays. The detection system will be thoroughly validated, and a TLR4-5 prototype developed to make the product ready for further commercialisation.  

Your duties will include:

  • Developing electrochemical assays for small molecule detection using screen printed electrodes and nanomaterial modifications to enhance sensitivity and selectivity.
  • Developing quantitative assays using analytical chemistry techniques such as extraction, detection and chromatography method development.
  • Collaborating on the development of chemometric/ machine learning approaches to determine target presence and or concentration.
  • Carrying out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO that will, where possible, lead to novel and important scientific outcomes.
  • Recognising and exploiting opportunities for innovation and the generation of new theoretical perspectives, and progressing opportunities for the further development or creation of new lines of research.

Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Salary: AU$89k - AU$98k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference: 84509

To be considered you will need:

  • A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, material science or computer science. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
  • Experience in classical analytical chemistry techniques such as extraction, detection and chromatography method development.
  • A good understanding of electrochemical techniques (e.g., differential pulse voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, EIS) and developing electrochemical detection methods.
  • Well versed in written and oral communication, including the presentation of research outcomes at conferences, a sound history of publication in peer reviewed journals, contribution to grant applications, patents etc.
  • 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

CSIRO is an Equal Opportunity employer working hard to recruit world-class talent that represents the diversity across our society. As part of our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes, preference will be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates who meet the role criteria.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

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

14 July 2022, 11:00pm AEST