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The opportunity

• Conduct insect manipulation, bioassays, tissue dissections, biomolecule extractions, and execute biochemical assays
• Play a pivotal role in understanding molecular & biochemical processes in insects around circular economy domains such as ‘plastic degradation’ and ‘waste to protein conversion’
• Join Australia’s national science agency! Work on projects of significant national and global impact

The Environment business unit at CSIRO is looking to appoint a Research Projects Officer in Experimental Insect Functional Biology. The role is centered around insect manipulation, bioassays, conducting tissue dissections, and performing DNA/RNA extractions, along with the execution of various biochemical assays. Under the supervision of, and in collaboration with senior researchers in the Industry Environments Program, the role will play a vital part in understanding of molecular and biochemical processes in insects around various circular economy research domains such as “plastic degradation” and “waste to protein conversion” by insects.

Key responsibilities of the position include conducting bioassays for the growth and degradation of various food substrates as well as xenobiotic chemicals such as plastic by various insect species. The Officer will also be actively involved in the design and execution of experiments focused on insect feeding, tissue dissections, and the extraction of biomolecules (such as DNA, RNA, protein, lipid etc.). Additionally, the role encompasses conducting biochemical assays, contributing to the advancement of research in this field.

A demonstrated proficiency in molecular biology and genomic data analysis tasks will be a distinct advantage in fulfilling the responsibilities associated with the insect bioassays, tissue dissections, DNA/RNA extractions, and biochemical assays. This role is integral to CSIRO's ongoing efforts to unlock the full potential of insect as engineers for environmental applications, contributing to innovative and sustainable solutions in waste management.

Your duties will include:

• Under limited supervision, design and conduct insect bioassays and biochemical assays for scientific research as directed.
• Under limited supervision, design and perform insect dissections, tissue/sample collection and biomolecule (DNA, RNA, protein, lipid etc) extractions and result analyses.
• Where relevant, design new processes or apparatus by adapting existing techniques and components to meet special circumstances or undertake modifications to methods requiring some innovation.
• Work with team members to help design data recording and entry systems.
• Work 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.
• May have responsibility for maintaining laboratory or fieldwork consumables and scheduling and instructing staff in the use of shared equipment.

Location:  Canberra, ACT

Salary:  AU$70k – AU$90k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure:  Specified term until 30/6/2026

Reference:  96324

To be considered you will need:

• Relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience in Entomology, Insect Molecular biology or Biochemistry.
• Demonstrated experience in performing scientific research on insects.
• Demonstrated experience in Molecular Biology laboratory techniques including extraction of biomolecules (DNA, RNA, lipids, proteins etc), and appropriate QC methods.
• A demonstrated proficiency in molecular biology and genomic data analysis tasks will be a distinct advantage in fulfilling the responsibilities associated with the insect bioassays, tissue dissections, biomolecule extractions, and biochemical assays. This role is integral to CSIRO's ongoing efforts to unlock the full potential of insect as engineers for environmental applications, contributing to innovative and sustainable solutions in waste management.
• Demonstrated experience in record keeping for scientific research.
• Experience in bioinformatics, genetic manipulation, microinjection and/or analytical chemistry (lipid and protein extraction) is desirable.
• Experience with black soldier fly rearing and the application of flies for waste management is desirable, as is insect dissection experience.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, and Australian Permanent Residents. 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.

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

16 April 2024, 11:00pm AEST/AEDT