Applied Vertebrate Pest (Rodent) Research Scientist

• Participate in Applied Vertebrate Pest (rodent) field experiments 
• Work within a supportive, rewarding, and collaborative team environment
• Join CSIRO - Australia's National Science Agency

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CSIRO’s Rodent Management Team is a part of the Health and Biosecurity business unit leading Australia’s efforts in understanding and developing management strategies for tackling mouse plagues and improving management options for rodents in intensive livestock systems. This team focuses on monitoring and forecasting mouse populations, improving control strategies, and understanding mouse ecology and behaviour in no-till farming systems. There is an opportunity for an Applied Vertebrate Pest (Rodent) Research Scientist to join this interdisciplinary team working at the interface of applied and fundamental science.

In this role you will focus on understanding and developing Vertebrate Pest management strategies in broadacre and intensive agricultural systems. You will be responsible for independently running field experiments, using a range of techniques to assess rodent populations and behaviours, and developing specific recommendations for end-users.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative team with an emphasis on strong communication enabling end-users to understand the implications of rodent populations and associated management practices. If you’re ready for a new challenge, apply now!

• Plan and prepare research proposals and carry out research investigations. 
• Undertake field-based research (including experimental design and data analysis) to deliver on project-related outputs.
• Draw on your professional expertise, knowledge of other disciplines and research experience to recognise opportunities for innovation and generate new theoretical perspectives.
• Undertake activities focused on one or more elements of larger research projects. 
• Liaise with clients to determine their needs and take personal responsibility for client satisfaction.
• Produce high quality scientific papers suitable for publication in high quality international journals, for client reports, and for presentation at conferences.
• Undertake experimental and/or observational research activities and supervising and/or training others to ensure experiments are established in accordance with research design.

Location: Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT

Salary: AU$110,038 – AU$119,080 pa + up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Indefinite, Full-time

Reference: 94318

Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

• A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant field such as Vertebrate Pest ecology.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake original, independent, creative and innovative research.
• A demonstrated publication history of authorship.
• Demonstrated theoretical, conceptual and practical knowledge undertaking large-scale Vertebrate Pest ecology field experiments.
• Demonstrated experience with planning and implementing Vertebrate Pest field work (trapping, handling, measuring, assessing) and experience with a range of techniques to study macro-level habitat use and micro-habitat use, camera trapping, diet analysis, and management of data.
• Experience with writing animal ethics and human research ethics proposals and familiarity with relevant codes of practice.
• Experience in using databases (e.g. MS Access) and advanced statistical knowledge and experience preferably using R.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, multi-location research team to achieve project goals. 
• Willingness and ability to travel for field trips for up to 2 weeks.
• A current driver’s licence.

• Demonstrated experience with invasive and non-invasive collection of tissues (e.g. for genetic studies, assessment of breeding status and/or disease analyses).
• Demonstrated statistical skills particularly in relation to analysing and presenting geospatial data. 
• Knowledge of Australian farming systems.
• Demonstrated skills in conducting economic and financial analysis of farming practices or profitability analyses.

Applications for this position are open to all including Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must either be able to obtain a valid working visa for the duration of the employment contract. Visa sponsorship will be provided by CSIRO for the overseas candidate. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

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. 

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.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

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.

23 April 2024, 11:00pm AEDT