Position Details
Research Scientist/Engineer – CSOF6
Role summary for potential applicants
Advertised Job Title:
Senior Research Scientist - Vertebrate evolutionary biology (Australian National
Wildlife Collection)
Reference Number:
3501
Classification:
CSOF6
Salary Range:
AU $106K to AU $124K plus up to 15.4% superannuation (pension fund)
Location:
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Tenure:
Indefinite
Relocation assistance:
Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Applications are open to:

Australian Citizens Only
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
All Candidates
Functional Area:
Research Scientist / Engineer
% Client Focus - Internal:
80%
% Client Focus - External:
20%
Reports to the:
Director and Group Leader, Australian National Wildlife Collection
Number of Direct Reports:
3 (informal)
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 Wildlife Collection (ANWC) within National Research Collections Australia (CSIRO
National Facilities and Collections) comprises staff and collections resources such as traditional research
collections, cryofrozen tissues, sound, and data itself. The ANWC is seeking to continue the growth of this
collection and see its relevance maintained with respect to current rapid growth in genomics. As such, we are
offering an opportunity for a suitably experienced Research Scientist, preferably with a solid grounding in
collections, to join our team and contribute strongly to the research output of the ANWC.
As part of the formal application process, candidates will be asked to articulate how they will use the AustraloPapuan vertebrate biota to address questions of broad interest, as well as in leading CSIRO’s embracing of
genomics in evolutionary biology as applied to natural populations of vertebrates. See below under “Other
Information” How to Apply for more details.
You will work at the intersection of phylogeny and adaptation, systematics and population genetics, genomics
and informatics, biogeography and phylogeography especially as applied in the context of Australo-Papuan
vertebrates. Developing capacity in any terrestrial vertebrate group would be encouraged and supported. This
is a key role in our Wildlife Collections team with real opportunity for growth and the possibility of taking
direct line management responsibility for positions such as an “Office of the Chief Executive” (OCE)
Postdoctoral Fellow in the future.
Applicants must demonstrate significant relevant scientific experience, plus strong leadership and resource
management capability. For the latter, this includes experience in setting up and managing work programs
and projects, coordination and supervision of team members, providing direction, and choosing strategies to
help maintain high levels of motivation and productivity. A significant publication record in peer reviewed
international journals is also a key requirement.
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.
 Make a strong contribution to the research output of the ANWC particularly in Australo-Papuan
evolutionary history and selection in the region’s natural vertebrate populations, taking primary or sole
responsibility for development and delivery of projects.
 Work with NRCA in syntheses of research relating to development of the Australo-Papuan biota.
 Develop innovative applications of genomic concepts, theories and techniques to analysis of evolutionary
history, population structure, functional genetics and natural selection.
 Actively seek support for research from state, national and international bodies.
 Publish findings in conventional peer-reviewed venues as well as develop a program of outreach and
liaison with media and communications sectors of CSIRO.
 Explore potential for uptake of research outcomes in conservation policy and planning.
 Help build CSIRO’s research collections in vertebrate biodiversity.
 Communicate effectively and respectfully in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and
enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.
 Work effectively as a senior member of a multi-disciplinary research team, as well as undertaking key
independent individual scientific investigations;
 Set up and lead work programs and projects, and assist (where appropriate) with elements of significantly
larger projects including the negotiation of resource requirements.
 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 budget.
 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 and significant documented research experience in a relevant discipline
area of vertebrate evolutionary biology; showing an ability to develop a genomics-based research program
on vertebrates in the Australian region.
2. Publications: A significant 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.
Essential Criteria:
1. Significant research experience in terrestrial vertebrates in any or all of a range of disciplines such as
collection-based systematics, genomics and informatics, biogeography 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.
Desirable Criteria:
1. Conceptual and practical knowledge and skills in Australian vertebrate systematic and museum-based
evolutionary biology.
2. Experience in development and maintenance of a museum collecting program and/or adaptability to work
in informatics.
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 via https://jobs.csiro.au/ and enter the Requisition ID 3501 where
indicated. As part of your application, you must provide a 1-2 page written articulation of how you will use the
Australo-Papuan vertebrate biota to address questions of broad interest, as well as in leading CSIRO’s
embracing of genomics in evolutionary biology as applied to natural populations of vertebrates. 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 Leo Joseph via email: Leo.Joseph@csiro.au or phone: +61 2 6242 1689.
Please do not email your application directly to Dr Joseph. 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, comprises staff and collections resources (traditional research
collections, cryofrozen tissues, sound, data) of the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC) and Australian
National Wildlife Collection.