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The opportunity

• Multi-faceted role conducting cutting-edge research on avian infectious diseases
• Great opportunity to lead externally funded projects & collaborate with industry leaders
• Join ACDP and play a key role in developing innovative solutions for disease control!

The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) is a high-containment facility in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Operated by CSIRO, ACDP is dedicated to safeguarding Australia's livestock industries and the public from emerging infectious disease threats. Our facility conducts groundbreaking research on some of the world's most dangerous infectious agents, ensuring biosecurity and contributing to global health through our work on zoonotic diseases (diseases that can pass from animals to humans).

As an Avian Virologist, you’ll join our dynamic Avian Infectious Disease Research Team and manage pivotal research on avian infectious diseases, with a particular focus on Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV). You will have a multi-faceted role, conducting cutting-edge research on avian infectious diseases, managing and overseeing dynamic externally funded research projects, and collaborating with key stakeholders including internal & external research and diagnostic teams, and the Australian poultry industry to develop innovative solutions. You will contribute to the development and implementation of advanced strategies and technologies for disease control, and publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals, as well as have the opportunity to present at national & international conferences, and mentor/supervise junior researchers and support staff.

This role offers a unique opportunity to grow your career within a reputed R&D organisation, while being part of innovative research that impacts the future of poultry health in Australia, and help shape the future of avian virology. So, if you are an experienced Avian Virologist with a passion for applied research and project management, we would love to hear from you!

Your duties will include:

• Leading and managing externally-funded research projects focused on avian infectious diseases, with a primary emphasis on IBDV.
• Working closely with internal research and diagnostic teams, Australian poultry industry representatives, and other research collaborators to design, implement, and analyse research projects.
• Coordinating project timelines, resources, and deliverables to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Providing scientific expertise in avian virology, including diagnostic methods, pathogen characterization, and vaccine development.
• Preparing and submitting research findings for publication in high-impact scientific journals.
• Preparing grant applications and assisting with securing future research funding.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of developments in avian virology and infectious disease research.
• Contributing to the development of strategies to mitigate the impact of avian infectious diseases on the poultry industry.

Location: Geelong, VIC – Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP)

Salary: AU$114K – AU$123K pa + up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified Term of 3 years

Reference: 98937

To be considered you will need:

• A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in Virology, Microbiology, or a relevant field with a focus on avian diseases.
• Proven experience in avian virology research, ideally with a strong focus on Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) and/or related pathogens (RNA viruses).
• Demonstrable experience in laboratory techniques related to virology, pathogen characterization, and diagnostic methods.
• Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to manage complex, externally-funded research projects.
• Strong collaborative skills, with experience working with multidisciplinary teams, including industry partners and government agencies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A demonstrated publication history of authorship on scientific papers in peer reviewed journals and/or reports, grant applications or inventorship on patent applications.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake original, creative and innovative research by generating and pursuing novel ideas and solutions to scientific research problems, and strong commitment to high standards of scientific rigor and ethics.

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

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to all candidates – Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents, or 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. As this position will be based at ACDP, the successful candidate will be required to:

• Undertake a pre-employment background check.
• Undertake a National Health Security Check (to be arranged post-commencement).
• Obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Negative Vetting Level 1 (to be arranged post-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 CV and a detailed cover letter, responding to each of the selection criteria in detail, that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role. Please attach your selection criteria responses to your cover letter as one document.

Applications close

23 February 2025, 11:00pm AEDT