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 molecular biology or genetic engineering?
• Keen to work in the field of reproductive biology and genome engineering in mammals?
• Join our Agriculture and Food team for this exciting postdoctoral role

   

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.
 

We are thrilled to be able to deliver on the commitment we made in our strategy to invest in frontier science with the CSIRO Agriculture & Food Winanga-y Postdoctoral Fellowship scheme. The word Winanga-y (pronounced win-na-gnay) is a cultural asset gifted by the Gomeroi Nation in Myall Vale to CSIRO's Agriculture and Food Business Unit to name the new Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme. Winanga-y means to understand, know, remember, and think.

This CERC Fellowship is in the field of reproductive biology and genome engineering in mammals. The broad aim of the project is to develop strategies to control the sex of offspring to improve animal welfare.

The ability to control the sex of animals in agricultural systems holds the promise of dramatically improving animal welfare and increasing production efficiency. Males and females often exhibit significantly different production performances. There is a range of examples where the presence of both males and females in the production system dictates the need for inefficient management practices that may have adverse animal welfare implications. Consequently, the ability to skew the sex ratio of offspring would have a major positive benefit to animal agriculture.
 
 

The CERC Fellow will design, develop and implement strategies to improve the control of sex determination in mammals, which could include genetic systems via precise genome engineering and other approaches (e.g. sperm sorting systems). The interest in controlling the sex ratio goes beyond its application in animal agriculture, being also relevant as a pest control mechanism. CSIRO has projects in both areas; the fellow will have the opportunity to interact across groups.

Your duties will include:

• Working with the Animal Genomics Team to develop reproductive biotechnologies to assist in better controlling sex determination in mammals.  
• Using knowledge of developmental biology and gametes formation to define potential gene targets for sex control strategies. Undertaking genomic analyses on mammalian samples to validate those candidate targets.
• Exploring validated targets using in vitro assays and animal models (and livestock embryos).
• Carrying out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO that will, where possible, lead to novel and important scientific outcomes.
• Recognising and exploiting opportunities for innovation and the generation of new theoretical perspectives, and progressing opportunities for the further development or creation of new lines of research.

   

Location: Brisbane, Queensland

Salary: AU$89k - AU$98k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years

Reference: 89715

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as molecular biology or genetic engineering. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or part-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated high-level skills in molecular biology in particular genome engineering tools such as CRISPR and mammalian cell culture.
• A strong knowledge of animal genetics, such as molecular genetics and genomics of mice and livestock.
• A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.
• 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 Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents and Australian Temporary Residents currently residing in Australia.  Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

To enter a CSIRO site, CSIRO will require you to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (or show a valid medical exemption from vaccination). If you are unable to meet this requirement, then you must return a negative result on a Rapid Antigen Test (within 48 hours prior to attending site) and wear a face mask whilst on the CSIRO site. These requirements apply if you are attending a CSIRO site as part of a recruitment process.

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

31 October 2022, 11:00pm AEDT