The Opportunity

• Work in world-class research & development precinct!
• Diverse and inclusive culture. Flexible work arrangements!
• Join CSIRO - Australia's National Science and Innovation Agency!

CSIRO's Agriculture and Food is the innovation catalyst for transforming profitability and sustainability in Australia's food and fibre industries and a science leader impacting the globe's agri-food security. The Tissue Culture Technician role will be part of CSIRO's Agriculture and Food Business Unit, joining the Synthetic Traits Team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Research Technician with skills and interest in plant genetic transformation technologies & molecular biology to be a part of a team that works on incorporation of a particular gene(s) that has the potential to increase the biomass and grain yield significantly. This is a specified term full-time role up to 20 months or the end of September 2023 (whichever is earlier) and the team is urgently looking for someone to start quickly.

Your duties will include:

• Designing and performing experiments and routine laboratory analyses, by adapting existing techniques or undertaking modifications to methods requiring some innovation.
• Performing plant cell, tissue culture and genetic transformation tasks under the technical direction with minimal supervision
• Conducting molecular biology experiments, using a range of techniques including DNA extractions, PCR etc
• Conducting literature reviews, investigations and inspections in the field or in the lab including associated analysis possibly involving statistical or PlantScan or CraneScan procedures.
• Maintaining accurate experimental records and ensuring correct data is presented to the team.
• Maintaining confidentiality when working with commercially sensitive information.

Location: Black Mountain, Canberra

Salary: AU$66k - AU$84k plus up to 15.4% superannuation per annum

Tenure: Specified term of up to end of September 2023

Reference: 80105

To be considered you will need:

• A minimum bachelor's degree in biological science or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience in a relevant field such as Plant Science/Biotechnology.
• Demonstrated experience in plant cell and tissue culture including the genetic transformation of plants using Agrobacterium.
• Proven experience in DNA/RNA isolation from plant cells and gene expression analysis skills (PCR, qPCR etc.)
• Demonstrated experience in handling transgenic plants in PC2 glasshouse.
• Prior experience in biomass estimation (methods) in plants.
• Good oral and written communication skills coupled with excellent attention to detail.

For full details about this role please review the .

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open:

• Australian/ New Zealand citizens,
• Australian permanent residents, or
• Australian Temporary Residents with a valid working visa at least until the end of December 2023 (without the requirement of any kind of sponsorship from CSIRO)

Appointment to this role is subject to the 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.