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

Child Safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

The Opportunity

• Do you have a PhD in plant pathology, agricultural microbiology or microbial ecology?
• Keen to deliver sustainable integrated disease management strategies to the Australian grains industry?
• Join the Plant-Microbe Interactions Team in Canberra for this 3-year 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 seeking an early career scientist to join our dynamic Plant-Microbe Interactions team. Active areas of research in the team include delivering sustainable integrated disease management strategies to the Australian grains industry, identifying and phenotyping host genetic resistance and exploring microbiome function to improve plant health.  

As part of this team, the CERC Fellow will use their plant and soil microbiology skills to lead the initiation, design and execution of lab and field experiments to develop integrated strategies targeting-bio-amendments for the sustainable control of stubble-borne diseases and management of plant residues in economically important grain crops. We would particularly welcome candidates with a research interest in applied microbiology and microbial ecology. This is a great opportunity to join an established research team whilst exploring innovative solutions to deliver sustainable disease control. 

Your duties will include:

• Carrying out original, innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO that will, where possible, lead to novel and important scientific outcomes.
• Helping lead the initiation, design and execution of manipulative microbiology experiments investigating novel strategies for control of stubble-borne diseases and management of crop residues. 
• Contributing to the development of models that describe the influence of farm management strategies on plant disease carryover and carbon sequestration in conservation tillage farming systems. 
• Communicating results and their implications in speaking forums, reports and scientific publications.

Location: Canberra, ACT

Salary: AU$92k - AU$101k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years

Reference: 93499

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, agricultural microbiology or microbial ecology. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• A current driver’s licence or the ability to obtain one.
• Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in plant pathology/microbiology including experience in data analysis and statistics.
• Demonstrated understanding of links between farming systems, natural environments (e.g. pests, diseases, climate and weather) and agricultural production. 
• Demonstrated ability to undertake original, creative and innovative research by generating and pursuing novel ideas and solutions to fundamental questions in biology.

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 or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. 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. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs, whether we are undertaking research, engaging with the public or nurturing future scientists in person or online. Source – CSIRO Child Safe policy 2023

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

5 September 2023, 11:00pm AEST