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

Child Safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

The Opportunity

• Work in agricultural research and add value to our Australian Cotton Industry
• Excellent ongoing position supporting general greenhouse operations
• Gain on-the-job training & development within CSIRO’s Cotton Breeding Group

CSIRO's cotton research is improving the sustainability, productivity, fibre quality and distinctiveness of the Australian cotton crop, from seed to shirt, through development of high-performing varieties, matching crop management strategies, improved post-harvest fibre processing technologies, and development of value-added co-products. Currently with 100 percent of Australian cotton grown from CSIRO varieties, we're adding value at all levels of the Australian cotton industry, including molecular biology, plant breeding, crop management and post-harvest processing.

We currently have a multi-faceted ongoing position available within our dynamic and multi-skilled Cotton Breeding Group, based at Myall Vale (Narrabri)! In this hands-on role, the Agricultural Research Assistant will predominantly work in the greenhouse, working closely with the greenhouse manager to assist with its general operations and maintenance. You will play a key role in providing high-quality assistance in the day-to-day activities, including processing samples, cleaning, repairs, ginning and processing of cotton, and more! The role will therefore require your well-developed organisational skills, communication skills, and your ability to work independently and take initiative as required.

If you are an early career Research Assistant that enjoys working in a practical setting with a collaborative team, and is passionate about agriculture and contributing to our cotton industry, this would be a great role to gain on-the-job training and career development!

Your duties will include:

• Preparing greenhouses for sowing, including soil preparation, pot filling and irrigation set up.
• Routine cleaning and general greenhouse maintenance in accordance with PC2 standards and completion of associated documentation.
• Assisting with day-to-day activities such as:
  • leaf sampling for ELISA and DNA testing.
  • planting, weeding and maintenance of field and greenhouse experiments including spraying for pests.
  • insect identification in the greenhouse.
  • both machine and hand harvest of experimental trials.
• Preparing seed for planting, including packaging and arranging according to plans.
• Working as part of a multi-disciplinary research team, to carry out tasks under limited direction in support of scientific research.

Location: Myall Vale (Narrabri), NSW

Salary: AU$51K – AU$65K pa + up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Indefinite; Full-time

Reference: 95750

* Please note that the nature of this role involves a significant amount of working in harsh temperatures/environments.

To be considered you will need:

• A current Australian driver’s licence.
• The ability to lift, bend, walk and undertake repetitive motions and the ability to undertake manual handling and operate equipment safely in accordance with Health and Safety Procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to encourage safe work practices within a team environment.
• The desire and enthusiasm to work in agricultural research that helps maintain the vibrant Australian cotton industry.
• Ability and willingness to work in harsh and adverse conditions whilst maintaining health and safety requirements.
• Experience and ability in working effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed research team, and carry out tasks under the direction of Scientific Researchers.
• Competence in computer operation and an understanding of data collection.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this role, you must be either an Australian Citizen, a New Zealand Citizen, or an Australian Permanent Resident.
 

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.
 

Due to the nature of the position, the successful candidate will also be required to undertake a pre-employment medical examination prior to commencement.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply online, and provide a detailed cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role. Please note that we strongly encourage you to respond to each of the selection criteria in detail, and attach it to your cover letter as one document.

Applications Close

10 March 2024, 11:00pm AEDT

We strongly encourage you to apply early as we will be reviewing applications as they come through. CSIRO reserves the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date if required.