Position Details
Research Scientist – Cotton Breeding
Role summary for potential applicants
Advertised Job Title:
Research Scientist - Cotton Breeding
Reference Number:
4423
Classification:
CSOF5
Salary Range:
AU$92,591 to AU$100,199 plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location:
Myall Vale, New South Wales
Indefinite OR
Tenure:
Relocation assistance:
Specified Term
Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Australian Citizens Only
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
All Candidates
Applications are open to:

Functional Area:
Research Scientist/Engineer
Reports to the:
Team Leader
Number of Direct Reports:
0
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 will conduct a research project focused on field based studies on cotton fibre quality and seed
vigour applicable to the CSIRO cotton breeding program for developing high yield and premium fibre
quality cotton. Specifically, you will:
 Develop innovative breeding strategies to improve fibre quality traits in high yielding cotton
germplasm.
 Understand cotton fibre and the genetics behind negative association between yield and fibre
quality attributes in G. hirsutum.
 Design and develop breeding populations to understand the interactions of seed, fibre and fibre
quality in G. hirsutum.
 Develop reliable field and lab based assessment methods for seed vigour applicable in cotton
breeding and incorporate vigour seed traits into elite G. hirsutum breeding germplasm.
 Coordinate the intellectual property management of the outcomes of the breeding program.
 Coordinate introgression of GM traits into elite breeding lines.
Duties and Key Result Areas:

Coordinate the research effort and develop innovative and integral concepts and approaches for
simultaneous improvement of fibre quality, seed vigour and yield in both conventional and GM
cotton.

Publish findings in peer reviewed journals.

Contribute to the effective functioning of a research team and help deliver upon CSIRO’s
organisational objectives.

Communicate effectively and respectfully in the interests of good business practice, collaboration
and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation, particularly regarding interactions with our primary client
Cotton Seed Distributors.

Assist in leading small research projects, including the negotiation of resource requirements.

Provide coaching and on-the-job training to technical staff and students to ensure experiments are
established in accordance with research design.

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:
•
Education/Qualifications: A PhD or equivalent experience in an area relating to field-based
applied plant breeding.
•
Collaboration: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a
collaborative environment.
•
Licence: Current driver’s licence
Essential Criteria:
1.
Demonstrated outcome based experience in an applied field-based plant breeding program.
2.
Demonstrated understanding of cotton fibre characteristics and their association with yield; and
the associations between seed composition, seed vigour and yield.
3.
Demonstrated ability in planning a GM trait introgression program and demonstrated
understanding of IP protection for outcomes of a breeding program.
4.
Evidence of good communication skills and ability to publish results of scientific research.
5.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally based research
team, and carry out independent individual research, to achieve organisational goals.
Desirable Criteria:
1.
Demonstrated understanding and experience with modern Australian cotton production.
systems.
2.
Demonstrated ability to work under adverse environmental conditions.
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. 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.
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:
Dr Warwick Stiller via email: warwick.stiller@csiro.au or phone: +61 2 6799 1584.
Please do not email your application directly to Dr Stiller. 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
CSIRO Agriculture is helping Australian farmers and industry improve productivity and sustainability
across the agriculture sector. CSIRO Agriculture 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; and global food security and development.