Senior Biological Research Electron Microscopist

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.

The Opportunity:
This position will be based in the high containment facility at ACDP and requires adherence to microsecurity regulations. The ACDP microscopy capability comprises a JEOL JEM1400 120KV at physical containment 3 (PC3) and at PC2 a recently acquired JEOL JEMF200 200KV equipped with a RIO camera and Elsa cryo specimen holder.

A new research laboratory has recently been constructed at PC2 containing cryo and room temperature instrumentation, including a plunge freezer, high pressure freezer, freeze substitution apparatus, and cryo- and room temperature ultra-microtomes. In addition, the microscopy capability has day-to-day access to a vibrant and well-equipped histology laboratory. We are a linked laboratory to Microscopy Australia.

- Collaborative, flexible, innovative workplace that values you and your career development
- Work in a world-class research & development precinct
- Join CSIRO and support Australia's premier scientific organisation!

In this role, you will be responsible for the scientific activities of the electron microscopy facility at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), as well as leading and mentoring staff in TEM and sample preparation techniques. As the Senior Biological Research Electron Microscopist, you will plan and execute impactful research projects of all sizes, as well as contribute to elements of larger projects. Working with trusted collaborator networks and drawing on expertise in electron microscopy, these research projects will involve the design and application of innovative techniques to the investigation of viral disease pathogenesis.

Your Duties Will Include:
- Take responsibility for the science leadership of the electron microscopy facility at ACDP, including the supervision of technical staff.
- Using professional expertise, knowledge of other disciplines, and research experience, develop challenging but realistic research plans, negotiate resource requirements with research managers or clients, and lead research projects of all sizes.
- Be responsible for executing elements of projects within and across Business Units.
- Using extensive technical experience, supervise tissue and cell culture preparation procedures for electron microscopic examination and interpretation.
- Examine and interpret biological specimens using transmission electron microscopy and compile informative written reports for customers and collaborators.
- Communicate research results, including high-quality scientific papers and conference presentations, to clients and the scientific community.

Location: Geelong, Victoria
Salary: AU$115k - AU$135k per annum, plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Indefinite
Reference: 88772

To be considered:
Essential:
- A PhD in a relevant discipline of science such as zoology or biomedical science.
- Demonstrated ability to undertake and administer original, creative and innovative research by generating and pursuing novel ideas and solutions to scientific research problems.
- A solid publication history of authorship on scientific papers in peer reviewed journals, client reports and conference abstracts, as well as a demonstrated ability to deliver presentations to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
- Extensive experience in biological transmission electron microscopy, including in the conventional and cryogenic preparation and interpretation of biological samples and in techniques such as electron tomography, immunoEM and CLEM.
- Some knowledge of, or the ability and willingness to develop expertise in, the detection and classification of viruses by electron microscopy.
- Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary research team and to build positive interactions with stakeholders and customers.

Desired criteria:
- Demonstrated experience in the leadership of science teams, including mentoring students and early career scientists.
- Demonstrated experience in ultrastructural pathology.
- Demonstrated experience in viral disease research.

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.
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 & 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.