Scientific Campaign Coordinator- National Biodiversity Dna Library

An opportunity to be part of building the , a globally unique and significant DNA data infrastructure that will transform the effectiveness of environmental monitoring in Australia. The NBDL will create comprehensive and authoritative reference DNA sequences for all named Australian species of animals, plants and macroalgae, based on specimens held in Australia’s natural history collections. These data will help to increase the scale, speed, and accuracy of ecosystem monitoring in Australia by enabling cutting-edge molecular species identification and biodiversity survey methods based on environmental DNA. The NBDL will further support reference data needs for DNA-based identification in Australian biosecurity and wildlife forensic settings.

The NBDL Scientific Campaign Coordinator will work alongside molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, data analysts, and digitisation experts, and extensively with the collections and taxonomic community, to plan, monitor and coordinate specific sampling campaigns for the NBDL and ensure their successful delivery. This role will also provide multifaceted support to assist delivery of the greater NBDL initiative.

The role would suit a well organised and articulate candidate with a passion for collections biology, molecular diagnostics and/or environmental management, and a knowledge of taxonomic and systematic principles, who is engaging and a team player.

Your duties will include:

Working with the NBDL team and internal and external collaborators to plan, monitor and coordinate large-scale multi-partner tissue sampling campaigns and ensure their successful delivery, requiring high levels of initiative and ingenuity.

Initiating and maintaining relationships with external collaborators, assist with managing contracts and reporting to stakeholders.

Assisting with the design and implementation of working groups to support NBDL campaigns and the design of the NBDL data portal.

Identifying and researching relevant literature and taxonomic authorities, and where applicable, contributing to and/or generating scientific papers.

Communicating openly, effectively and respectfully with all staff, collaborators and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.

Working collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary, geographically dispersed team to carry out tasks in support of the scientific objectives of the NBDL and CSIRO.

Adhering to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Code of Conduct, Health, Safety and Environment procedures and policy, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.

Other duties as directed.

Location : Melbourne or Canberra preferred. Other major CSIRO sites considered.
Salary : AU$105,806 – AU$114,500 plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure : Approx. 2 years until 30 June 2025
Reference : 91518

To be considered you will need:

Essential
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

PhD/ Masters or equivalent work experience in a relevant area of wildlife biology and/or molecular genetics (e.g. systematics, biosecurity diagnostics, wildlife forensics, environmental DNA analysis).

Experience with molecular species identification, phylogenetics and/or morphological taxonomy

Experience with and aptitude for building collaborative relationships with stakeholders and partners.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Willingness to travel within Australia.

Desirable

Experience working with biological research collections.

Experience in project management.

Experience with or knowledge of eDNA metabarcoding.

For full details about this role please review the

Eligibility
Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. 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.