CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in “Allergen detection using on-the-spot diagnostics”

The Opportunity

• Are you a PhD graduate in proteomics, protein biochemistry, or immunology?
• Develop antibody-based diagnostics for the detection of food allergens
• Work at the Queensland Bioscience Precinct world-class research facility

Postdoctoral Fellows are appointed for up to three years and will work closely with a leading Research Scientist or Engineer in their respective field. They carry out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO with the possibility of novel and important scientific outcomes. They present the findings in appropriate publications and at conferences.

There is an unmet demand for rapid, deployable on-the-spot diagnostics capable of delivering accurate and immediate results in the health and food industries. This project will couple advanced proteomics, novel protein-bioconjugation and biosensing to develop significantly improved antibody-based diagnostics for the detection of food allergens.

Your duties will include:

• Carry out innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO that will, where possible, lead to novel and important scientific outcomes.
• Recognise and exploit opportunities for innovation and the generation of new theoretical perspectives, and progress opportunities for the further development or creation of new lines of research.
• Utilise design thinking methodology to plan and prepare research proposals and apply non-academic impact methodology to research projects.
• Characterise allergenic commodities using advanced proteomics to identify persistent signature biomarkers.
• Develop and characterise antibodies to specifically detect peptide biomarkers.
• Utilise innovative bioconjugation methods to develop antibodies into biosensors and test their accuracy to detect allergens in complex food matrices.
• Record and analyse data, and undertake regular reviews of relevant literature and patents.
• Produce high quality scientific and/or engineering papers suitable for publication in quality journals, for client reports and granting of patents.
• Prepare appropriate conference papers and present those at conferences as agreed with your supervisor.

Location: St Lucia (Brisbane), Queensland

Salary: AU$84k – AU$95k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years

Reference: 64549

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as proteomics, protein biochemistry, or immunology, and no more than 3 years postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated experience in liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS), preferably LC-MS/MS based proteomics.
• Proven experience in protein biochemistry and/or biosensing.
• Proven experience in bioinformatics and/or data science relevant to protein analysis.
• High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including the presentation of research outcomes at national and international conferences.
• A sound publishing history in peer reviewed journals and/or authorship of scientific papers, reports, grant applications or patents.
• Knowledge and/or experience in biosensing or diagnostics, allergy/immunology would be desirable, as is undertaking research with a commercial perspective.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Talk to us about how this role could be flexible for you.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit diverse people and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish.

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.

About CSIRO

At CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line via the CSIRO website and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

19 March 2020, 11:00 pm AEST/AEDT