Research Projects Officer - Aquatic Disease Research - CSIRO - HealthCareer

First listed on: 13 September 2022

Research Projects Officer - Aquatic Disease Research

 

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

The Diagnosis Surveillance and Response (DSR) Program at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP provides diagnostic and research capability to investigate and respond to newly emerging and exotic diseases affecting terrestrial and aquatic animals. Within this program, the ACDP Fish Diseases Laboratory (AFDL)  undertakes research and diagnostic (R&D) activities and provides expert advice to CSIRO and state, national and international stakeholders. 

In your role as Aquatic Research Technician you will be responsible for planning and setup of aquatic in vivo studies, providing care and maintenance of aquatic species, undertaking routine molecular diagnostic testing, molecular test capability development, data analysis and report writing, and contributing to a diverse range of research projects, as needed. The successful candidate will be capable of adapting readily to the changing needs of the group responsible for undertaking research and diagnostic activities for government and industry stakeholders, which may include activities outside their own preferences.

Your duties will include:

  • Work within BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories to perform aquatic in vitro and in vivo diagnostic and research activities.
  • Under general direction, participate in project planning and accept responsibility for the scheduling and delivery of activities, including in vivo aquatic animal experiments, aimed at the identification and characterisation of infectious pathogens of finfish, crustaceans and molluscs.
  • Maintain current knowledge of aquatic animal diseases of major concern to Australian aquaculture and fisheries, and emerging diagnostic technologies to support the group’s activities as needed.
  • Make significant contributions to the interpretation and communication of research and technical results, including drafting presentations and detailed written reports for both internal and external clients.
  • Along with other AFDL staff, be responsible for ensuring that the laboratory’s quality assurance system is maintained to NATA/ISO 17025 standards for aquatic animal diagnostic tests.

Location: Geelong, Victoria
Salary: AU$87k - AU$98k per annum plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Indefinite
Reference: 88672

To be considered you will need:

Essential

  • A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant field such as virology, molecular biology, biotechnology or similar.
  • Demonstrated practical experience in aquatic animal research.
  • Demonstrated ability and willingness to contribute ideas and new approaches to meet experimental needs where methods are not clearly defined.
  • Experienced working independently and co-operatively as a member of a larger project team, with a demonstrated ability to form and maintain effective and respectful relationships with a range of colleagues and collaborators.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document results, write reports, and communicate effectively with colleagues and other stakeholders.

Desirable

  • Experience with:
    • Aquatic animal in vivo studies and animal husbandry.
    • DNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.
    • Conducting laboratory?based molecular diagnostic tests within a quality management system (e.g. ISO17025).
       

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens only. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

To enter a CSIRO site, CSIRO will require you to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (or show a valid medical exemption from vaccination). If you are unable to meet this requirement, then you must return a negative result on a Rapid Antigen Test (within 48 hours prior to attending site) and wear a face mask whilst on the CSIRO site. These requirements apply if you are attending a CSIRO site as part of a recruitment process.

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

9th October 2022, 11:00pm AEST