Position Details
Research Scientist/Engineer – CSOF5
Role summary for potential applicants
Advertised Job Title:
Research Scientist - Insect systematics (Australian National Insect Collection)
Reference Number:
3602
Classification:
CSOF5
Salary Range:
AU $92K to AU $100K plus up to 15.4% superannuation (pension fund)
Location:
Black Mountain (Canberra) Australian Capital Territory
Tenure:
Indefinite
Relocation assistance:
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
% Client Focus - Internal:
80
% Client Focus - External:
20
Reports to the:
Director-Australian National Insect Collection
Number of Direct Reports:
1
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 Insect Collection (ANIC) is the largest collection of Australian insects and related
invertebrates in the world, with over 12 million specimens. The collection is an important component of
CSIRO’s National Research Collections Australia (NRCA), and critical to the future of insect biodiversity research
in Australia. The collection has a staff of 20 including research scientists, Post Doctoral Fellows, PhD Students
and technical officers who manage and develop the collection and conduct research in Australian insect
taxonomy, systematics and related fields. Two Department of Agriculture staff members are embedded in the
collection and provide critical identification for biosecurity, in collaboration with research scientists in the
collection.
Taxonomic and biogeographical research on Australian terrestrial insects now embraces morphological and
molecular systematics, phylogeography and population genetics as well as modern approaches to morphology
such as micro-CT Scanning. We wish to continue this growth and see its relevance maintained with respect to
current rapid growth in genomics and museomics. We have made a number of critical hires in this area over the
past few years. A solid grounding in collection-based research is essential to this work.
This is an opportunity for a Systematist with a special interest in insects to make a substantial contribution to
ANIC, the largest and most significant collection of Australian insects in the world. The appointee will be
expected to use phenotypic and genotypic data in research on the systematics and evolutionary biology of
insects. They will have research strengths in phylogeny, systematics, and biogeography of insects. Their taxon
focus will preferably be on the ANIC’s collection strengths of beetles (Coleoptera), moths (Lepidoptera), flies
(Diptera) or wasps (Hymenoptera).
As part of the formal application process, candidates will be asked to articulate how they will use the Australian
insect biota to address questions of broad interest, and in so doing develop the Australian National Insect
Collection. 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 for new, existing and further research.
 Contribute to the research output of NRCA particularly in relation to the systematics and evolution of insects,
especially Australian insects.
 Work with other members of the NRCA in the syntheses of research relating to development of the
Australian biota.
 Develop innovative applications of morphological and genomic concepts, theories and techniques to analyse
evolutionary history.
 Actively seek support for research from state, national and international agencies.
 Present discoveries in a meaningful format, prepare reports for clients, publish findings in peer-reviewed
media and high-impact journals, and develop a program of outreach and liaison with media and the
communications unit of CSIRO.
 Help build the ANIC research collections.
 Communicate effectively and respectfully in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and
enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.
 Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary research team, as well as undertaking independent
individual scientific investigations;
 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 PhD in systematic entomology, or a closely related discipline, and sound
postdoctoral experience in a relevant area (including a strong grant track record).
2. Publications: A record of quality publications as primary author in high impact, peer reviewed journals.
3. Behaviours: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative
environment.
4. Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to deal with ambiguity and situations that lack clarity, readily adapting to
changing circumstances and new responsibilities.
Essential Criteria:
1. A demonstrated ability to design and implement systematic research projects at significant scale with
appropriate methods.
2. Strong written and oral communication skills including the ability to publish research results, prepare
reports and present the results of scientific investigations at national and international conferences and
stakeholder meetings.
3. The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary research team, and carry out independent
individual research, to achieve organisational goals.
4. Demonstrated conceptual and practical knowledge and skills in insect systematics and collection-based
evolutionary biology.
5. A record of science innovation and creativity plus the ability to apply well developed research skills to
scientific investigations.
Desirable Criteria:
1. Experience supervising curation within a similar environment to ANIC.
2. Experience conducting field work in remote locations.
CSIRO is a values based organisation. You will need to demonstrate behaviours aligned to our values of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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 via https://jobs.csiro.au/ and enter the Requisition ID 3602 where indicated.
As part of your application, you must provide a 1-2 page written articulation of how you will use the Australian
insect biota to address questions of broad interest, and in so doing develop the Australian National Insect
Collection. Please follow the instructions on the advertisement and upload one document which incorporates
both your CV and the 1-2 page response as outlined above.
At any time 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 further.
Applications close Wednesday 30 September, 2015 (11:59pm AEST)
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 David Yeates via email: David.Yeates@csiro.au or phone: +61 2 6246 4988
Please do not email your application directly to Dr Yeates. 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.
The CSIRO National Facilities and Collections (NFC) hosts science-ready national research infrastructure for use
by Australian and other researchers, including large-scale specialised infrastructure and equipment and
scientific collections of value to conservation and research. The NFC line of business includes:
Australian Animal Health Laboratory
Astronomy and Space Science
 Australian Telescope National Facility
Australian National Research Collections
 Australian National Insect Collection
 Australian National Herbarium
 Australian National Wildlife Collection
 Australian Tree Seed Centre
 Australian National Fish Collection
 Australian National Algal Culture Collection
 ATLAS of Living Australia
Information, Management & Technology
 Pawsey Supercomputer
Marine National Facility
 Marine Research Vessel
The NFC consists of diverse capabilities but they all share the same purpose in scale, mode of use and provide
efficient, effective provisions of scientific infrastructure to the wider community.
The various Collections within the NFC, comprise staff and collections resources (traditional research collections,
cryofrozen tissues, sound, data) of the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC) and Australian National
Wildlife Collection (ANWC).