Postdoctoral Fellowship – Plant Pathology in Weed Biological Control
Reference Number:
21166
Classification:
CSOF4
Salary Range:
AU $78,479 to AU $88,787 plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location:
Canberra, ACT, Australia
Tenure:
Specified Term of 3 years
Relocation assistance:
Will be offered to the successful candidate if required.
Applications are open to:
All Candidates
Functional Area:
Research Scientist / Engineer - Postdoc
% Client Focus - Internal:
80%
% Client Focus - External:
20%
Reports to the:
Group Leader
Number of Direct Reports:
0
Role Overview:
Postdoctoral Fellowships at CSIRO provide opportunities to scientists and engineers, who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships will help launch their careers, provide experience that will enhance their career prospects, and facilitate the recruitment and development of potential leaders for CSIRO.
Postdoctoral Fellows are appointed for up to three years and will work closely with a leading Research Scientist or Engineer in their respective field. They carry out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO with the possibility of novel and important scientific outcomes. They present the findings in appropriate publications and at conferences.
CSIRO Health & Biosecurity is offering an exciting opportunity for a PhD graduate (or recent graduate of up to 3 years), with skills in plant pathology, particularly focusing on fungal pathogens, to join its Weed Biological Control Team as a Postdoctoral Fellow. This multi-disciplinary, multi-location team undertakes research to identify, test, deploy and evaluate biological control agents for weeds of agricultural and/or natural ecosystems in Australia.
The successful candidate will conduct innovative research using the latest advances in plant pathology to contribute to a large project to develop science-based biological control solutions for a range of weed targets. The research may involve: i) exploration for natural enemies in the native range of the target weeds, ii) selection of candidate biocontrol agents using biogeography and population genetics of weed targets and agents and iii) host specificity and risk analysis of selected agents. You will lead components of existing projects, have the opportunity to learn to (a) develop and lead new projects, (b) secure competitive funds, and (c) provide scientific leadership and collaborate with scientists across the world. The role may involve extended periods of travel for fieldwork in Australia and/or overseas.
Duties and Key Result Areas:
Under the direction of Research Scientists, carry out research in laboratory, controlled environment conditions and field.
Identify and select promising biological control agents for specific target weeds and demonstrate their safety (host-specificity) and efficacy as novel management tools.
Contribute to fieldwork across a range of ecosystems, including in remote locations in Australia and overseas.
Collect and manage data, and undertake appropriate statistical analyses to synthesize results.
Undertake regular reviews of relevant literature.
Produce high quality scientific papers suitable for publication in international peer-reviewed journals and contribute to reports.
Prepare appropriate conference papers and present those at conferences as agreed with your supervisor.
Take responsibility for specific tasks to deliver on project-related outputs.
Contribute to the development of innovative concepts and ideas for further research.
Work collaboratively with colleagues within the business unit and across CSIRO.
Communicate professionally, effectively and respectfully in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.
Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Health, Safety and Environment plans and policies, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.
Undertake an appropriate training and development program developed by CSIRO.
Other duties as directed.
CSIRO’s postdoctoral training programis developed between the Postdoctoral Fellow and a CSIRO scientist. The program will focus on enhancing the Fellows’ capabilities to the level expected of an independent researcher and will include on-the-job and course-based development encompassing:
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed
Pre-Requisites: Education/Qualifications: A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as plant pathology, preferably with a focus on fungal pathogens in the context of weed biological control.
Please note:To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years of relevant postdoctoral experience. Current Full Driver’s License.
Communication: High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including at national and international conferences.
Publications:A record of publications in quality, peer reviewed journals.
Behaviours: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.
Essential Criteria: Demonstrated laboratory and field-based research experience in plant pathology, with a focus on fungal pathogens and preferably relevant to weed biological control.
Demonstrated experience in experimental design and statistical analyses.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork across a range of terrestrial ecosystems, including in remote locations in Australia and overseas.
A record of science innovation and creativity, including the ability and willingness to incorporate novel ideas and lateral thinking into scientific investigations to develop appropriate solutions to research challenges.
The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, multi-location research team, and the motivation and discipline to carry out autonomous research.
Demonstratedability andwillingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations.
Desirable Criteria: Demonstrated research experience in molecular taxonomy, phylogeny and/or population genetics.
Demonstrated research experience in one or more of the following fields, especially within the context of weed biological control: invasion biology, weed science, ecosystem processes, biogeography, plant ecology and community ecology.
Demonstrated experience with working in quarantine facilities and obtaining and managing permits to conduct biological research.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to coach and train students and technical staff.
CSIRO is a values based organisation. You will need to demonstrate behaviours aligned to our values of:
Appointment to this role may be subject to conditions including security/medical/character clearance requirements. Applicants who are not Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents may be required to undergo additional security clearance processes; which may include medical examinations and an international standardised test of English language proficiency (i.e. IELTS test - http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx).
Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at www.csiro.au/careers. You may be asked to provide additional information (online) relevant to the selection criteria. If so, then responding will enhance your application so please take the time to provide relevant succinct answers. Applicants who do not provide the information when requested may not be considered.
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 984 220 and someone will be able to assist you. Outside business hours please email: csiro-careers@csiro.au.
Referees: If you do not already have the names and contact details of two previous supervisors or academic/ professional referees included in your resume/CV please add these before uploading your CV.
Contact: If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact:
Dr Louise Morinvia email: Louise.Morin@csiro.au or phone: +61 2 6246 4355
Please do not email your application directly to Dr Morin. Applications received via this method will not be considered.
About CSIRO
Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments, industries, business and communities across the nation.
Find out more! www.csiro.au.
CSIRO Health & Biosecurity helps to protect Australia from biosecurity threats and risks posed by serious exotic and endemic pests and pathogens. We're strengthening Australia’s biosecurity system with targeted research to tackle major pest and disease threats; quantifying the risk offshore, enhancing surveillance and detection systems and providing smart, cost effective responses to deal with exotic, emerging and established pests and diseases on shore. Find out more at: http://www.csiro.au/en/Research/BF
