Position Details
Research Scientist/Engineer – CSOF6
Role summary for potential applicants
Advertised Job Title:
Director Australian National Algae Culture Collection
Reference Number:
10405
Classification:
CSOF6
Salary Range:
AU $106K to AU$124K pa plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location:
Hobart, Tasmania
Tenure:
Indefinite
Relocation assistance:
Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Applications are open to: 
All Candidates
Functional Area:
Research Scientist / Engineer
% Client Focus - Internal:
80%
% Client Focus - External:
20%
Reports to the:
Group Leader Botanical Collections Research, National Research
Collections Australia
Number of Direct Reports:
3
Role Overview:
The role of Research Scientist Staff in CSIRO is to conduct innovative research leading to scientific
achievements that are aligned with CSIRO's strategies. You may be engaged in scientific activity ranging
from fundamental research to the investigation of specific industry or community problems. You will
have the opportunity to build and maintain networks, play a lead role in securing project funds, provide
scientific leadership and pursue new ideas and approaches that create new concepts. You may be
involved in leading research projects or undertaking work that has impact on the development of
scientific or technical knowledge.
The Australian National Algae Culture Collection (ANACC) is part of CSIRO’s National Research
Collections Australia Facility (NRCA). NRCA is a world-class “science-ready” collections research facility
that discovers, documents, describes, explores and analyses Australia’s biodiversity delivering digital
data as well as basic and applied science for the conservation and exploitation of Australia’s unique
biological assets.
ANACC is the largest collection of microalgae in the southern hemisphere and is one of a small number
of significant algal biodiversity culture collections internationally. It is a living biodiversity resource of
Australian microalgae spanning the tropics to Antarctica and includes marine, estuarine and freshwater
species. It has underpinned CSIRO’s microalgal research since the 1960s and supports research,
education and industry partners. ANACC supports both fundamental and applied research spanning
areas such as biodiversity discovery in the genomics era, the role of microalgae in the environment, and
bioapplications of microalgae. Integral to ANACC is the Australian National Algae Supply Service (ANASS)
that supplies quality microalgae worldwide (70 countries) to research, education and, particularly, as live
feeds for the aquaculture.
CSIRO is seeking a highly motivated and experienced phycologist specialising in microalgae with a strong
international standing for the position of Director of the Australian National Algae Culture Collection.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced research scientist with a particular interest in utilising
culture collections as a basis for furthering our understanding of the natural world. The successful
candidate will increase the national, regional and international profile of the ANACC collection using
deep microalgal knowledge to lead innovative research across a breadth of topics such as biodiversity,
ecology and bioapplications.
You will work closely with the NRCA Director and Botanical Collections Research Group Leader to
manage and enhance the ANACC as part of NRCA. You will also work closely with the other NRCA
Collections and lead a small dedicated core team with collaborations across CSIRO’s business units such
as Oceans & Atmosphere, Food and Nutrition and Manufacturing. You will also be responsible for
building and strengthening collaborations with national and international research organisations and
industry partners.
To be considered for this position you will need to hold a PhD in phycology (microalgae), have expert
knowledge and experience in algal culture collections, demonstrated strong scientific leadership, have a
highly effective and interactive management style, and bring a strong track record of research
achievement including attracting research funding and/or industry investment.
As part of the formal application process, candidates will be asked to articulate how they will use the
ANACC to address questions of broad interest such as bio-discovery and bio-applications. See below
under “Other Information” How to Apply for more details.
Duties and Key Result Areas:
 Incorporate novel approaches to scientific investigations by adapting and/or developing original
concepts and ideas using ANACC as a platform to conceive and lead innovative biodiversity,
environmental and bioapplications research nationally and internationally.
 Make a strong contribution to the ANACC research output particularly in bio-discovery and bioapplications of microalgae, including taking primary or sole responsibility for development and
delivery of projects.
 Set up and lead work programs and projects, and assist (where appropriate) with elements of
significantly larger projects including the negotiation of resource requirements as a senior member
of a multi-disciplinary research team.
 Lead, coach and supervise staff to maintain high levels of motivation and productivity, and ensure
experiments are established in accordance with research design, within agreed timelines and
budgets.
 Actively seek research support and collaborative opportunities from state, national and
international agencies and industry partners and explore opportunities for uptake of research
outcomes with these partners.
 Work with the NRCA research community in the syntheses of biodiversity research relating to
development and application of Australian microalgae and help build CSIRO’s National Research
Collections.
 Disseminate findings in a variety of formats including conventional peer-reviewed venues,
customer-oriented reports and public good avenues in an effectively and respectfully manner that
demonstrates good research and business practice, collaboration and enhances CSIRO’s reputation.
 Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Health, Safety and Environment plans and
policies, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.
 Other duties as directed.
Selection Criteria:
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed
Pre-Requisites:
1. Education/Qualifications: A doctorate and or equivalent research experience in phycology or
another relevant discipline area.
2. Publications: A significant record of quality publications as primary author in high impact, peer
reviewed journals.
3. Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills, evidenced by high-level
reporting, presentation and negotiation abilities, and the capacity to identify and influence
critical stakeholders to gain support for contentious proposals/ideas.
4. Behaviours: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative
environment.
Essential Criteria:
1. Significant research experience and/or industry experience with microalgae in any or all of a range of
disciplines such as biodiversity and bio-discovery, ecology, bio-applications, genomics and other
similar disciplines.
2. Excellent written and oral communication skills, evidenced by high-level reporting, presentation and
negotiation abilities, and the capacity to identify and influence critical stakeholders to gain support
for contentious proposals/ideas.
3. Proven ability to set up and lead efficient work programs, coordinate and supervise team members,
choose appropriate strategies and communication styles to maintain high levels of motivation and
productivity, and to negotiate and monitor resources to achieve objectives.
4. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a senior member of a multi-disciplinary research team,
provide direction and support to others as required, and carry out independent individual research,
to achieve organisational goals.
5. A significant record of science innovation and creativity plus the ability to apply well developed
research skills to scientific investigations including demonstrated experience with developing and
undertaking R&D with industry partners to achieve high impact outcomes.
Desirable Criteria:
1. Values and behaviours are exemplary.
2. Able to actively promote cross organisational collaboration.
CSIRO is a values based organisation. You will need to demonstrate behaviours aligned to our values
of:
 Integrity of Excellent Science
 Trust & Respect
 Creative Spirit
 Delivering on Commitments
 Health, Safety & Sustainability
Other special requirements:
Appointment to this role may be subject to conditions including security/medical/character clearance
requirements. Applicants who are not Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents may be required to
undergo additional security clearance processes; which may include medical examinations and an
international standardised test of English language proficiency (i.e. IELTS test).http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx
Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at www.csiro.au/careers.
As part of the formal application process, please include with your resume a statement addressing (a)
the selection criteria and (b) how you will use the ANACC to address questions of broad interest such as
bio-discovery and bio-applications. Please upload both statements and your resume as ONE document.
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 301 509 and someone will be able to assist you.
Outside business hours please email: csiro-careers@csiro.au.
Referees: If you do not already have the names and contact details of two previous supervisors or
academic/ professional referees included in your resume/CV please add these before uploading your CV.
Contact: If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact:
Dr Susan Blackburn via email: susan.blackburn@csiro.au or phone: +61 3 6232 5307
Please do not email your application directly to Dr Blackburn. Applications received via this method will
not be considered.
About CSIRO
Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is a powerhouse of ideas,
technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments,
industries, business and communities across the nation.
Find out more! www.csiro.au.
CSIRO National Research Collections Australia
CSIRO is the custodian of a number of collections of animal and plant specimens that contribute to
national and international biological knowledge. Together, they constitute a vast storehouse of
information about Australia’s biodiversity and underpin a significant part of the country’s taxonomic,
genetic, agricultural and ecological research - making these vital resources for conservation and the
development of sustainable land and marine management systems.
Find out more! http://www.csiro.au/en/Research/Collections