Position Details
PhD Studentship
Role summary for potential applicants
Advertised Job Title:
PhD Studentship – Amoeba biology
Reference Number:
7642
Top up scholarship stipends are valued at AU$7,000 per year plus a generous
operating budget
Bribie Island, Queensland
(must be enrolled at an Australian University)
Salary Range:
Location:
3 year term (concordant with existing APA or scholarship)
Length of Engagement:
Applications are open to:

Australian Citizens Only
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
All Candidates
Functional Area:
Research Projects
Reports to the:
Research Scientist / Team Leader
Role Overview:
CSIRO Agriculture now welcomes applications for a PhD Studentship to Investigate the diversity of amoebae
species associated with both normal and diseased (AGD) gills.
The successful candidate will develop molecular tools for identification of various marine amoebae genera and
will contribute to the development of robust challenge systems.
The successful candidate will work with Stuart Arnold (email: Stuart.Arnold@csiro.au) in CSIRO Agriculture’s
‘Northern Aquaculture’ Group on Bribie Island (Qld), as well as with their university supervisor(s). Students and
potential supervisors are invited to contact Mr Arnold to discuss this Studentship in more detail.
Duties and Key Result Areas:

Carry out amoeba culture within a seawater lab system.

Undertake molecular biology techniques.

Design and maintain experiments.

Data collection, analysis and reporting of results.

Work as an effective member of the Northern Aquaculture Group at Bribie Island.

Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Health, Safety and Environment plans and policies,
diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.
Selection Criteria:
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.
Evidence of academic results is required with your application.
The four criteria on which the applications will be assessed are:
1. Quality and relevance of student project
The primary assessment criterion for the Postgraduate Scholarship is the quality and relevance of the project
being proposed. The research must be complementary to, and clearly aligned with, the advertised research
topic.
2. Academic calibre of the student
The quality of the student is also critical to the assessment of a scholarship and candidates must hold (or
expect to gain) a relevant degree from a recognised University.
3. Availability of appropriate university supervision
The relevance of the University supervisor’s research background and their willingness to supervise the
student in partnership with the CSIRO supervisor should also be made clear.
4. Potential to support directions of the research area
The potential of the proposed student project to support the directions of the advertised research topic is
essential.
CSIRO is a values based organisation. In your application 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 Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at https://jobs.csiro.au/ and “Search by Keyword” for 7642. Your
application should comprise one document which incorporates the latest version of your CV plus a covering
letter outlining your motivations for applying and your suitability for the role (uploaded under “Resume”).
Academic results can be uploaded under “Additional Documents”.
At any stage during the recruitment process, you may be asked to provide additional information (online)
relevant to the selection criteria. If so, then responding will enhance your application so please take the time
to provide relevant succinct answers. Applicants who do not provide the information when requested may not
be considered.
Applications close Thursday 26 November, 2015 (11:59pm AEDT)
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 984 220 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:
Stuart Arnold via email Stuart.Arnold@csiro.au or phone: 07 3410 3102
Please do not email your application directly to Mr Arnold. 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 Agriculture
Our Agriculture business unit is helping Australian farmers and industry improve productivity and sustainability
across the agriculture sector. The Agriculture business unit will focus on the following challenges:

crop improvement

livestock and aquaculture genetic improvement

farming systems for productivity and sustainability

interactions between agriculture and the environment; climate change, adaptation and mitigation;
science for health soils

global food security and development.