Research Officer (Peakall)

Classification: ANU Officer 5/6
Salary package: $ 89,760 - $ 105,459 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Terms: Part-time up to 17.5 hours per week, 0.5 FTE
(flexible arrangements, will be considered)

This position is fixed term, part time. The funding that supports this project has an expected end date of June 2029.

In 1946, ANU was founded to help rebuild a changing world. We’re still at it, 80 years later. For generations, our people have turned curiosity into ideas that have shaped Australia and our region. Learn more about ANU, our history and the community that has shaped us: ANU at 80 

The Position

The Research Officer will provide support to our research team. Key responsibilities will include performing high quality DNA/RNA extractions from a range of plant tissues, undertaking complex library preparation for DNA/RNA sequencing on ONT and other platforms, participation in DNA/RNA sequence data processing and analysis.

The Research officer may also be required to assist with the sampling, design and testing of diagnostic molecular markers for endangered plant species ID and survey. This may involve fieldwork and related activities. They will also support project delivery, assist in the preparation and ordering of supplies, and provide routine laboratory maintenance and general administrative support.

The Person

The ideal candidate will have completed a degree, or have relevant research experience. Demonstrated experience in plant DNA/RNA extraction, PCR and library preparation for sequencing is required. Prior experience with ONT and/or other sequencing platforms and willingness to learn basic bioinformatic skills, will be regarded positively. They should possess knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, with experience in experimental design, data collection, and data analysis being advantageous. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, along with proven organizational abilities, are essential for managing competing tasks and working both independently and in teams. Proficiency in MSOffice, especially Excel, is required, and experience with statistical software (e.g. R) and DNA sequence analysis software (e.g. Geneious, Galaxy etc.) will be highly regarded.

The School

The Research School of Biology (RSB) carries out research and teaching in a wide range of biological and biomedical sciences, and is housed in multiple buildings on the University’s Acton Campus.

The College

The ANU College of Science and Medicine encompasses the disciplines of: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environment and Society, Physics, and Science Communication and is also home to a number of cross-disciplinary and specialist Institutes and Centres.  Staff and students within the ANU College of Science and Medicine conduct research and deliver a research-led education program that encompasses the breadth of the sciences, supported by extensive international networks and by world-class facilities. 

To find out more about the Science at ANU community, follow us on social media at Instagram and Facebook

For further information please contact Rod Peakall on T: +61 2 6125 0022 E: rod.peakall@anu.edu.au (email preferred).

The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on indigenous.employment@anu.edu.au 

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to people of all backgrounds and identities.  For more information about staff equity at ANU, click here. For enquiries about the application process, or if you require reasonable adjustment to apply for this role, please contact the hiring manager on the above listed details.

Application information

In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:

• No more than a two-page summary addressing your suitability against the selection criteria.
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.
• Other documents, if required.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

If shortlisted, candidates will be asked to complete a:

• pre-interview written response to a series of questions,
• 30-minute interview using behavioural interview questions.

Please note: The preferred candidate must have rights to live and work in Australia, and will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks relevant to the role they have applied for, in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.