Protein Biochemist

**Acknowledgement of Country**:
CSIRO 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 vision towards reconciliation

**The Opportunity**:
Research staff at CSIRO collaborate with other staff in scientific and technological activities by assisting with detailed project or activity planning, undertaking or assisting with experimental, observational or technology development work, and carrying out technical aspects of the work.

The Bioassay Research and Development (Bioassay R&D) team at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) is responsible for producing novel assays and bioreagents for the detection of pathogens, and for maintaining reagents that are used in approved diagnostic tests for infectious diseases. Bioassay R&D outputs facilitate the diagnostic and surveillance programs undertaken by the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Australia and abroad; enable research into emergency animal diseases (EAD); and fulfil commercial fee-for-service tasks. These broad activities fulfil diagnostic and surveillance roles that inform Australia’s response to biological threats to animals and associated industries. This important role forms an integral part of ACDP’s Diagnosis, Surveillance and Response program’s mandate.

The Bioassay R&D team work together across a broad remit that covers the use of molecular, protein and antibody systems to develop assays suitable for diagnosis of bacterial and viral pathogens.

The incumbent to the position of Protein Biochemist will support our ongoing diagnostic assay and reagent research and development efforts. Reporting directly to the Team Leader, they will work collaboratively with individual team members and maintain effective relationships with the diagnostic teams at ACDP, our primary customer group.

**Your duties will include**:

- Devise, plan and execute native and recombinant protein purification and analysis strategies and procedures.
- Use initiative to identify solutions, seek new approaches or adapt procedures to meet experimental needs when encountering ill-defined problems.
- Accept responsibility for planning, scheduling and completion of projects.
- Work as part of a multi-disciplinary R&D team to carry out tasks under limited direction to deliver quality reagents to internal and external collaborators on time.
- Contribute to the collection, analysis, interpretation and communication of research and technical data.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues within your team, business unit and across CSIRO, to reach objectives and address problems promptly and in a constructive manner.
- Mentor and train research colleagues and students.
- Communicate openly, effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers to determine and fulfil their requirements to their satisfaction.
- Adhere to CSIRO’s Values and Zero Harm goals.
- Other duties as directed.

**Location**:Geelong, Victoria

**Salary**:AU$89,680k - AU$101,459K plus up to 15.4% superannuation

**Tenure**:Indefinite - Full-time

**Reference**:91597

**To be considered you will need**:
**Pre-Requisites**
- Education/Qualifications: A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) and relevant laboratory experience in a discipline such as biochemistry, protein chemistry or biotechnology.
- Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to anticipate audience needs and present information and feedback appropriately.
- Behaviours: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.
- Adaptability: The ability to effectively manage several competing priorities simultaneously and carry out non-routine tasks under limited direction.
- Problem Solving: Proven ability to investigate underlying issues of complex and ill-defined problems and develop appropriate responses by adapting, creating or testing alternative solutions.
- Medical/Security: Ability to meet AHHL Medical and Security requirements.

**Essential Criteria**
Under CSIRO policy, only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.
- Proven expertise using automated chromatography systems e.g., ACTA or NGC with a range of chromatographic media e.g., SEC, IMAC, affinity.
- Demonstrated theoretical knowledge and practical experience in a range of technologies applicable to preparation, purification and characterisation of proteins and antibodies e.g., tangential flow filtration, isopycnic centrifugation, Western blot, ELISA.
- Established ability to independently generate novel experimental plans and solve research and technical problems to meet project milestones.
- History of productive student supervision in a formal or informal capacity.
- Proven contribution to scientific research conducted