CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Nutritional Physiology - CSIRO - HealthCareer

First listed on: 15 February 2021

CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Nutritional Physiology

The Opportunity

  • Do you have a PhD in nutrition physiology, biochemistry, microbiology or molecular biology?
  • Help find the next plant-based alternative protein species to assist with the gowing global food challenge
  • Join CSIRO's Nutrition and Health Program in this exciting postdoctoral role

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate but 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.

The CSIRO Nutrition and Health Program is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to identify novel micro- and macro-algae species that provide a well-balanced and highly digestible alternative protein source that provides additional functional food components that have metabolic and gut health benefits. The successful candidate will interact closely with world-renowned experts across four CSIRO business units (Health & Biosecurity, Agriculture & Food, Oceans & Atmosphere, National Collections and Marine Infrastructure) and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to build the case for the next plant-based species that will be fundamental in addressing the growing global food security challenge
 

In this project the Fellow will focus on the following key challenges and deliverables:

  1. Develop a pipeline to select algal species for use as high-value protein sources
  2. Generate a thorough understanding of the composition and functionality of algal species
  3. Optimise growth conditions of target algae species

The innovative research will enable the fellow to work at the cutting-edge of analytical methodology (algal phenomics, metabolomics, proteomics) to identify key algae species from the Australian National Algae Culture Collection (ANACC) and UTS.

Project success would see the Postdoctoral Fellow identify novel algae species that are high-quality protein sources with functional gut and/or metabolic health benefits.

The position will be initially based in Adelaide, but travel to other CSIRO research sites across Australia and University of Technology Sydney will be required.

In this role you will:

  • Drive multi-disciplinary collaboration supported by four top-class laboratories with vast expertise in nutrition, proteomics, bioinformatics, algal phenomics and metabolomics. This will require the candidate to effectively communicate across several disciplines each having a distinct and deeply technical vernacular.
  • Utilise the novel algae species collection (ANACC, Hobart) to develop comprehensive nutrient data and evaluate functional health attributes using a broad range of in vitro and in vivo models available at Health & Biosecurity (Adelaide).
  • Take intellectual ownership of the project, reporting regularly at local and remote team meetings, developing presentation skills and gaining confidence
  • Gain exposure to the scientific community through presentation at eminent scientific conferences emerging with a series of papers in high quality journals. The project lies at the intersection between phycology, nutrient metabolism and the development of new food applications that improve health.

Location: Adelaide, SA
Salary: AU$86k - AU$94k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference: 71065

To be considered you will need:

  • A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as nutrition physiology, biochemistry, microbiology or molecular biology.  Please note: To be eligible for this role you must not have more than 3 years (or part time equivalent) of relevant postdoctoral research experience.
  • Research experience in extraction, purification and/or analysis of protein from algae and/or plant-based sources
  • Nutrition knowledge that includes protein, amino acids, anti-nutrient factors, micronutrients, polyphenols and/or dietary fibre.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and/or apply biochemical and molecular techniques to quantify nutrients, proteins, metabolites and/or microbial communities in biological samples.

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.

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

15 March 2021, 11:00pm AEDT