The Opportunity

• Do you have a PhD (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in Virology?
• Help address the challenges of invasive feral rabbits that severely impact our agricultural industries and environment.
• Join CSIRO - Australia's Premier Science and 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.

Rabbit caliciviruses are important biocontrol agents in Australia, used to manage invasive feral rabbits that severely impact our agricultural industries and environment. However, research into these agents is hampered due to lack of a suitable ex vivo culture system. Recent advances in organoid technologies have facilitated investigations into host-pathogen interactions for other previously non-cultivatable viruses, including human calicivirus. The Postdoctoral Fellow will further refine the rabbit intestinal and hepatic organoid cultures established in our lab to enable robust replication of rabbit caliciviruses, and will study their fundamental biology and evolution, including mechanisms of immune escape. 

Your duties will include:

• Optimise rabbit organoid cultures for the robust cultivation of rabbit caliciviruses and subsequently design and undertake detailed studies on the fundamental biology of these viruses.
• Using rabbit organoid cultures, conduct research into host-pathogen interactions, including mechanisms of immune escape in rabbit caliciviruses..
• Carrying out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO that will, where possible, lead to novel and important scientific outcomes.
• Recording, managing, and analysing data/information using relevant domain data science techniques

Location:  Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT
Salary: AU$88k - AU$96k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference: 73355

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as Virology.  Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or part-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in Molecular Virology.
• Demonstrated strong research experience in the use of cell culture systems for exploring host-pathogen interactions.
• 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.

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

28 May 2021, 11:00pm AEST