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

Child Safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

The Opportunity

• Bring your molecular genetics expertise and proficient laboratory skills into a fulfilling role
• Play a key role in genetic monitoring programs of regionally & globally significant fisheries
• Join the supportive team at CSIRO in an exciting hands-on role!

We are currently seeking a highly-skilled Molecular Genetics Lab Technician to join one of our dynamic ocean and coastal research teams in Perth!

CSIRO’s Sustainable Marine Futures (SMF) research program seeks to undertake rapid, scalable and cost-effective data collection, develop streamlined processing methods, and deliver timely scientific knowledge to advise solutions that support sustainable development of Australia’s coastal and marine resources without compromising the health of marine biodiversity. Supported by advanced ecosystem modelling, and effective collaborations with various community and industry stakeholders, our research helps to tackle some of the key local and global natural challenges!

As the Molecular Lab Technician, you will join our multi-disciplinary ‘Predator Populations’ team and have a vital hands-on role, providing important laboratory and data analysis expertise to support genetic monitoring programs of regionally and globally significant fisheries. Working closely with other internal teams across the SMF research program, your work will contribute to molecular genetic analysis and research studies of domestic & international marine and aquatic fish species populations, and support the team in meeting the challenging dual activities of ongoing method development, and upscaling of the production of data for externally funded projects.

If you have an interest in molecular genetics, have the experience working with total nucleic acids in laboratories, and get motivated by making a real impact with your work, this would a great opportunity for you!

Your duties will include:

• Extracting and purifying total nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) from animal tissues using manual and robotic methods.
• Analysing genomic DNA and RNA, PCR products, and sequencing ready libraries using spectrophotometer instrumentation, gel electrophoresis, and a TapeStation.
• Maintaining and managing multi-organisational laboratory equipment and consumables required for research projects.
• Maintaining a thorough and complete record of all laboratory work.
• Contributing to scientific publications.
• Working with discretion to decide on the timing of operations within the work team’s plan, and plan ahead to meet experimental and/or project demands.

Location: Perth, WA

Salary: AU$68K – AU$86K pa + up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified Term of 2 years

Reference: 92753

To be considered you will need:

• Minimum qualification of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and/or equivalent work experience in a molecular genetics laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience in DNA methylation and automation of DNA normalisation, Bisulfite treatment, and enzymatic based methods on Qiagen and Eppendorf based liquid handling robotics.
• Demonstrated experience in multiplex PCR assay optimisation.
• Demonstrated experience with DNA Sequencing library preparation.
• Proven experience in laboratory management through an electronic lab book such as LabArchives.

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

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this role, you must be either an Australian Citizen, a New Zealand Citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.
 

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.
 

Due to certain activities involved in the program, this role may have child safety obligations, and therefore require the successful candidate to obtain and provide evidence that they hold a valid paid/employee Working with Children/Vulnerable People Check prior to confirmation of appointment.

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.

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs, whether we are undertaking research, engaging with the public or nurturing future scientists in person or online. Source – CSIRO Child Safe policy 2023

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

5 June 2023, 11:00pm AEST