Research Technician- National Biodiversity Dna Library

An opportunity to be part of building the National Biodiversity DNA Library (NBDL), 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 Research Technician will work with CSIRO’s National Research Collections Australia and other natural history collections to conduct sampling of collection specimens and record and coordinate metadata for NBDL specimen sampling campaigns. The technician will contribute to the successful delivery of the NBDL, and this role would suit a candidate who is highly motivated, detail-oriented and who would enjoy engaging with collections to achieve timely delivery of NBDL sampling campaigns. The work involves the opportunity to travel independently to collections around Australia for up to weeks at a time.

Your duties will include:

Working with the NBDL team, and collaborators in internal and external biological collections, to conduct sampling of specimens, sub-sampling of tissues and DNA extracts, and recording and coordinating specimen metadata.

Providing diverse technical and logistical support to curators, taxonomists and other technicians in collections contributing to the NBDL initiative.

Assisting with the planning, scheduling, design, troubleshooting, and reporting of sampling activities.

Maintaining accurate record keeping relating to thousands of taxonomically diverse specimens.

Identifying and research relevant literature and taxonomic authorities.

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.

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.

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 : Canberra (Black Mountain)
Salary : AU$89,680k – AU$101,459 plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure : Full-time, Approx. 2 years until 30 June 2025
Reference : 91520

To be considered you will need:

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

A relevant qualification or equivalent work experience in a relevant area of biological science.

Practical experience with tissue sampling for DNA analysis or working with collection specimens, and managing associated metadata.

Experience with or knowledge of taxonomic principles.

Strong attention to detail and the ability to undertake repetitive tasks, keep accurate records and manage data effectively, and plan and schedule workflow in a timely and technically sound manner.

Ability to work both independently and co-operatively as a member of a larger team, and to form and maintain effective and respectful relationships with a range of colleagues and external collaborators.

Willingness to travel within Australia, including for weeks at a time.

Desirable

Experience working with biological collections and/or in a molecular laboratory setting.

Experience with or knowledge of molecular species identification and/or phylogenetics.

Experience working with databases.

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.