The Opportunity

• Do you have a PhD in microbiology, virology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field?
• Lead the exploration of innovative genomics approaches for the development of pathogen and antibody detection technologies
• Work with experts with a diverse range of knowledge and expertise 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.

Endemic animal diseases put a major strain on Australian livestock industries, and wellbeing at farmer level. Incursion of exotic animal diseases further pose a major threat to livestock health and socioeconomic wellbeing. Early identification of introductions of highly contagious or vector borne transboundary animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), African swine fever (ASF), African horse sickness (AHS) and lumpy skin disease (LSD), is a key component in preparedness and efforts to control outbreaks. Incursion and widespread outbreaks of emergency animal diseases in Australia would lead to losses of billions of dollars and, consequently, jobs. Continued diagnosis and surveillance of endemic diseases, or exotic diseases after incursion, is therefore important to direct control efforts and reduce outbreak impacts.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will be leading the exploration of innovative genomics approaches for the development of pathogen and antibody detection technologies, such as Phage-immunoprecipitation-sequencing (PhiP-Seq) and CRISPR diagnostics and translating these to field ready devices through utilisation of nanotechnology. The project involves three CSIRO business units; Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory and CSIRO-Manufacturing. The Postdoctoral Fellow will therefore be exposed to experts with a diverse range of knowledge and expertise including virology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, infectious disease diagnosis and nanotechnology.

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as microbiology, virology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or part-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Evidence of technical and experimental experience in microbiology, virology or molecular biology, including recombinant bacterial plasmid cloning.
• Highly ambitious and motivated about exploring novel platforms for virus and antibody detection.
• Willingness to travel within Australia and internationally (depending on State, Federal and CSIRO travel restrictions), to perform laboratory work at collaborating institutions.
• 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

To be eligible to for role, you must be an Australian/New Zealand Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident or Australian temporary resident currently residing in Australia and be able to commence in the role by December 2021/January 2022.

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent, a National Health Security Clearance and be able to meet the requirements for working at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.

Your duties will include:

• Developing innovative high-throughput diagnostic platforms for endemic and exotic animal diseases of national priority by utilising cutting edge biotechnology, including Phage-immunoprecipitation sequencing (PhiP-Seq).
• Developing innovative CRISPR/Cas based diagnostic platforms for detection of endemic and exotic animal diseases of national priority.
• Adapting these innovative platforms to field-deployable nanotechnology, microfluidics, and biosensor devices to improve rapid detection.
• Exploring other emerging diagnostic and detection technologies that could further strengthen Australia’s preparedness for incursion of biosecurity threats.
• Carrying out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO that will, where possible, lead to novel and important scientific outcomes.

Location:  Geelong, Victoria
Salary: AU$88k - AU$96k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference: 75483

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

31 August 2021, 11:00pm AEST