CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellow in Bioinformatics for Emerging Infectious Diseases - CSIRO - EducationCareer

First listed on: 08 March 2021

CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellow in Bioinformatics for Emerging Infectious Diseases

 

The Opportunity

  • Further your PhD research in the areas of bioinformatics, virology, or microbiology
  • Be a part of a new research programme on emerging infectious diseases
  • Kick-start your research career with a postdoctoral fellowship at CSIRO

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.

CSIRO and James Cook University (JCU) have partnered to build a research programme on emerging infectious diseases, focussing on Northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. This Joint research programme is interdisciplinary, encompassing all aspects of emerging infectious diseases, including the following:

  • Innovative surveillance techniques (Internet of Things, sensing, other existing data, citizen science and Indigenous knowledge).
  • Development of new diagnostics and treatments. 
  • Understand the host-pathogen response (e.g. through cell culture/animal model, Next gen seq, in-silico or molecular analysis).
  • Identify and develop possible responses (including vaccine or drug development where needed).
  • Understand sociocultural aspects (community engagement, change management, well-being aspects of One Health, behaviour change and communication). 
  • Establish what the ideal roles of the human and animal health systems would be for an integrated One Health approach, and identify any gaps not covered by these two systems.
  • Develop decision support systems for decision-makers.

The desired outcomes of this position are to have an improved understanding and characterisation of the risks of pathogens and spillover at interfaces of interest; between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region.

As a Postdoctoral Fellow on our team, you will have a focus on exploring significant interfaces utilising bioinformatics, and related laboratory analysis and field collection aspects, through the use of modern technologies (NGS, nanopore sequencing, etc). You will also have the opportunity to contribute more broadly to the overall joint JCU-CSIRO research programme, based on your skills and interests.

Your duties will include:

  • Performing bioinformatics analyses, and field- and lab-based activities as required, to improve our understanding of the risks and potential risks of emerging infectious diseases in our region.
  • Carrying out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO that will, where possible, lead to novel and important scientific outcomes. 
  • Utilising design thinking methodology to plan and prepare research proposals, and apply non-academic impact methodology to research projects

Location: Geelong, VIC, with regular travel to Townsville, QLD
Salary: AU$86k - AU$94k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference: 71433

To be considered you will need:

  • A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as bioinformatics, virology, microbiology, or other infectious disease disciplines.

Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or part-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.

  • Strong bioinformatics background and experience, in particular next generation sequence analysis.
  • Prior laboratory experience, in particular in the molecular processing and analysis of pathogens.
  • High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including the presentation of research outcomes at national and international conferences.
  • A sound history of publication in peer reviewed journals and/or authorship of scientific papers, reports, grant applications or patents.
  • A record of science innovation and creativity, including the ability & willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations.
  • A current driver’s licence.

 

For full details about this role please view the Position Description.

Eligibility

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent, as well as undertake the security assessment and microbiological security requirements for personnel working on the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) Site, as outlined in the Position Description.  

Applicants must be Australian/New Zealand citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or Australian temporary residents currently residing in Australia.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Talk to us about how this role could be flexible for you. Balance

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit diverse people and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.

About CSIRO

At CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter that responds to each of the selection criteria, and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

7th April 2021, 11:00pm AEST