Research Technician - Rodent Ecology - [Archived Advertisement]

The Opportunity

• Do you have a background in ecology or biological sciences?
• Develop mouse control strategies to reduce the impact of mice on crops
• Join CSIRO Health and Biosecurity and make a difference!

Mouse outbreaks cause substantial economic, social and environmental impacts to the Australian grains industry. During the 1993 mouse plague, an estimated ~$100M of damage was done to grain producers, and during the 2010/11 plague, mice damaged more than 3M hectares in NSW alone, as well as causing significant damage to grain growing regions in SA, VIC and WA. Recent changes to cropping systems provide benefits to farmers that make farming systems more sustainable. However, these changes inadvertently produce favourable conditions for mice resulting in ongoing significant damage to crops. 

CSIRO Health and Biosecurity is seeking an enthusiastic Research Technician – Rodent Ecology with experience in collecting and recording data as well as capturing and handling small mammals to join the Rodent Management team. 

As the successful candidate, you will be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary team working on applied and fundamental science in a highly collaborative environment. You will provide assistance to scientists and research officers to monitor mouse populations in several locations, and assist with a series of field experiments aimed at understanding the impact of mice in Australian cropping systems. Through this work, you will contribute to the development strategies for mouse control to help reduce the impact that mice have on crops. 

Your duties will include:

• Working as part of a team to undertake field activities to collect data relating to mice in cropping systems.
• Managing and maintaining data sets and undertaking preliminary analysis of the data. 
• Organising field trips including communicating openly, effectively and respectfully with farmers about field activities on an ongoing basis.
• Working collaboratively as part of a small multi-disciplinary team to undertake field, laboratory and pen trials.
• Cleaning and maintaining field equipment in good working order.

Location: Canberra (Black Mountain) ACT
Salary: AU$63k - AU$80k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:  Specified term of 3 years
Reference: 71952

To be considered you will need:

• A relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant work experience in ecology or biological sciences.
• A history of accurately collecting and recording data from field studies with minimal supervision.
• Proven experience in capturing and handling small mammals as part of field studies.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively as a member of a small team in challenging field environments to implement experimental protocols on field trips.
• To be willing and able to participate in long field trips of up to approx. 2 weeks.
• A current driver's licence.
   

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent.

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 and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

20th April 2021, 11:00 pm AEST

We reserve the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date.