Crop Molecular Farming Research Project Officer

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

• Collaborate in scientific and technological activities with other research staff 
• Work at the forefront of one of CSIRO’s new strategic growth areas (Molecular Farming)
• Black Mountain, Canberra location with relocation assistance available

We’re seeking applications for a Crop Molecular Farming Research Project Officer within the Agriculture and Food Business Unit.  

The CSIRO Synthetic Traits group is world-leading in translating cutting-edge plant biotechnology towards real impact for Australian agriculture. The group’s extensive track record include the development of commercial high-oleic safflower and omega-3 canola together in close collaboration with key industry partners (https://www.csiro.au/en/research/plants/crops/oil-crops/sho-safflower; https://www.csiro.au/en/research/production/biotechnology/omega-3-canola). 

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of one of CSIRO’s new strategic growth areas (Molecular Farming) and create with us the next generation of high-value engineered crops.

As part of the Lipid Engineering team, you will support the genetic transformation of canola to modify lipid composition in seeds. The position will involve cloning constructs, growth of transgenic plants in the glasshouse, molecular characterization of transgenics, lipid extraction from seed and sample preparation for GC analysis, and keeping experimental records for reporting requirements. In addition, you will be assisting the RNAi team to develop novel RNAi-mediated insect control technologies. 

Your duties will include:

• Cloning multi-gene expression constructs. 
• Assist in canola transformation.
• Growing and maintaining transgenic plants in the glasshouse and growth cabinet.
• Harvesting seed samples, lipid extraction, lipid fractionation (TLC), preparation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), GC analysis of FAME following established protocols.
• Evaluation of gene expression and copy number in transgenic seeds.
• Rearing of insect populations and conducting RNAi toxicity assays.
• Assisting in timely planning of experiments to meet project demands, actively troubleshooting to resolve identified problems, participating in project meetings, recording data in electronic lab notebook form, and working closely in a multidisciplinary team consisting of members across different divisions within CSIRO
• Communicate openly, effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.
• Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Code of Conduct, Health, Safety and Environment procedures and policy and diversity initiatives. 

Location: Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT
Salary: $70,874 - $90,202 per annum (pro rata part time) plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified Term of 3 years, Full-time
Reference: 97961

To be considered you will need:
Essential
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

1. Relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience in plant molecular biology and/or analytical chemistry.
2. Cloning of expression vectors. 
3. Experience in analytical methods such as gas chromatography, thin layer chromatography, or LC-MS.
4. Working with plants, including growing, sampling and processing.
5. Data collation, analysis and provision of results for inclusion in reports and papers.

Desirable

1. Great if you have worked on lipids before. 
2. Experience in plant tissue culture.
3. Familiar with rearing insect populations and conducting toxicity assays

For full details about this role please review the Position Description.  

Eligibility
Applications are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents, Australian Temporary Residents with an existing valid visa and unrestricted work rights for the duration of the 3-year term and no requirement for visa sponsorship.

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. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.
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Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply
Please apply online and provide a detailed cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role. Please note that we strongly encourage you to respond to each of the selection criteria in detail and attach it to your cover letter as one document.

Applications Close
Wednesday 18th December 2024, 11:00pm AEST