Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

The Opportunity

• Do you have a PhD in plant pathology, plant sciences, and/or breeding with a strong background in genetics and molecular biology?
• Want to conduct world class research and development with a team of dedicated professionals?
• Join CSIRO – Australia’s leading scientific research organisation!

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.

In this position you will undertake research in preventing losses in oat production due to the impact of oat crown rust disease. Rust fungi are important pathogens of plants and display diverse complex lifestyles and epidemiology. The CERC Fellow will take a systematic approach to deliver solutions for oat rust protection suitable for Australia. You will investigate components that confer rust resistance in the genetic pool of the Australian oat breeding germplasm in context to the genetic diversity of crown rust in the country; and identify optimal combinations of genetic resistance sources and define unique opportunities for crop protection while refining resources to study this pathosystem. The CERC Fellow will benefit from working within a world leading team and through exposure to a broad scientific context spanning the spectrum from basic biology to applied delivery of science research to achieve industry outcomes. You will be part of a large multidisciplinary team conducting research at the leading edge of the field of plant-pathogen interactions and with a strong record of high impact publications. 

Your duties will include:

• Carry out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO that will, where possible, lead to novel and important scientific outcomes.
• Contribute to a research program aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of oat rust resistance and pathogen virulence by utilising state-of-the-art techniques in genotyping and genomics. 
• Undertake regular reviews of relevant literature and patents.
• Communicate results through regular team meetings and group level presentations.
• Recognise and exploit opportunities for innovation and the generation of new theoretical perspectives, and progress opportunities for the further development or creation of new lines of research and external investments.

Location:  Canberra, ACT
Salary:  AU$89k - AU$98k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:  Specified term of 32 months
Reference:  84261

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as plant pathology, plant sciences, and/or breeding with a strong background in genetics and molecular biology. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Evidence of experience that includes the application of plant pathology methodologies to problems in crop improvement, especially genetics of cereals, and genetic resistance to biotrophic pathogens.
• Evidence of experience with pre-breeding research encompassing field, glasshouse and wet-lab work.
• Demonstrated experience in development or implementation of genotyping techniques, molecular gene markers and assessment of gene expression.
• 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.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to all candidates. Visa sponsorship will be provided if required.

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. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

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

13 June 2022, 11:00pm AEST