CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Experimental eDNA

Perth, WA
$96,811-109,527 per year
Permanent
Full-time

2 days ago

Acknowledgement of CountryCSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our .Role highlights

Support research that pushes the boundaries of eDNA science
Join a multidisciplinary, innovative and collaborative team
Launch your career at CSIRO - Australia's National Science Agency!

About CSIROAs Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.Visit for more information.The opportunityEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) is rapidly transforming how we detect and measure marine biodiversity, but its use as a reliable tool for quantifying species abundance or biomass remains limited by unresolved challenges in sampling design, DNA recovery, and signal variability. Towards this end, CSIRO has recently formed a multidisciplinary team, in collaboration with the Minderoo Foundation, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of eDNA science through exploring eDNA enrichment, quantification and modelling/software methods.We are seeking a creative and motivated Early Career Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join this team. This is a unique opportunity to take a lead role in eDNA enrichment and quantification R&D, designing and testing novel field and laboratory methods that will expand what eDNA science can achieve.Your high-level duties will include:

Design and experimentally test eDNA sampling methods, that consider variables such as volume, filtration, and replication strategies, and others to maximise eDNA/single cell recovery. Alternatively, re-imagine high-throughput eDNA sampling strategies that are not reliant on a filtration approach.
Develop field sampling and extraction protocols that minimise between-sample variability and optimise the reliability of downstream quantification estimates from eDNA data.
Establish sampling, laboratory, or bioinformatic methods, in conjunction with new sequencing technologies, that enrich the insights that can be drawn from eDNA metabarcoding data. For example, moving beyond community composition based on presence-absence of taxa towards population or individual-level biological insights.
Lead the analysis and publication of data in high quality publications.
Carry out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO that will, where possible, lead to novel and important scientific outcomes.

Role particularsLocation: Perth, WASalary: AU$96,811 - AU$109,527 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) + 15.4% superannuationTenure & work schedule: Specified term of 3 years, Full-timeReference: 100926As the successful candidate, you will bring:Essential criteria

A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD). The doctorate must be in a relevant discipline area, such as eDNA, molecular ecology or other trace DNA-based genetics (e.g. ancient DNA). Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (full-time equivalent) of relevant postdoctoral research experience.
Experience in sampling, extracting and handling trace-level DNA, including sound knowledge and experience in trace DNA contamination measures.
Strong hands-on experience in molecular techniques, including DNA extraction, qPCR, and library preparation for high-throughput sequencing.
Experience conducting or supporting field-based sample collection, especially involving water sampling, filtration, or other forms of environmental sample capture.
Experience working with next-generation (e.g. Illumina) sequencing output, especially in the context of environmental or degraded DNA.
Demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments, including troubleshooting, iterative method development, and data-informed protocol refinement.
Familiarity with eDNA applications, especially in biodiversity monitoring or population-level analyses (e.g. haplotype reconstruction, connectivity).

For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review the .Not sure if you meet all the criteria?While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don't let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.Setting you up for successWe are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact Laura Mason via Careers.Online@csiro.au and let us know how we can support you.Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangementsWe , offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, and opportunities. To find out more, visit .Inclusion and belongingSolving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.EligibilityApplications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents and candidates who either hold, or are able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term (visa sponsorship and relocation assistance may be provided to the successful candidate if required).Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.Child safetyCSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our .How to applyPlease apply online and submit a CV and cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the selection criteria of this role.Applications close5 October 2025, 11:00pm AEDT

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