Plant Tissue Culture & Gene Editing Technician - Canberra

CSIRO; Canberra; On-site; AUD 76,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

CSIRO in Canberra is seeking a Research Technician to plan and carry out experiments, supporting tissue culture and gene editing research for commercial crops. You will work with the Plant Trait Innovation team, gaining hands-on lab experience and contributing to innovative approaches in germplasm improvement.

Essential qualifications include a degree in molecular biology or plant sciences, plant tissue culture experience, and a proven ability to keep precise lab records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience in Molecular Biology/Plant Physiology or related field.
• Experience with plant tissue culture techniques.
• Experience with molecular biology and genetic transformation of plant material.
• Demonstrated excellence in laboratory record keeping and data storage.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a range of stakeholders in a dynamic team.
• Focus on continuous improvement in Health and Safety in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to plant tissue culture and innovative gene editing research that advances germplasm improvement, championing high-quality research, inclusive teamwork and creative thinking.
• Prepare tissue culture media, establish and maintain plant cell cultures, conduct gene editing experiments, and regenerate and propagate plants.
• Design and conduct experiments and laboratory analyses under limited supervision, adapting techniques and developing new processes to meet research needs.
• Conduct literature reviews, field and laboratory investigations and inspections, and analyse findings using statistical or graphics software as required.
• Collaborate across teams and projects, balancing multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Plan ahead and use your judgement to schedule activities within agreed team plans, meeting experimental and project requirements.
• Independently test potential solutions to resolve research and technical problems.
• Maintain accurate electronic notebook records of all experimental procedures and results to support research decisions, publications and intellectual property protection.
• Support day‑to‑day laboratory, glasshouse and field maintenance, including preparing solutions and media, caring for plants and maintaining laboratory supplies.

Skills

Plant tissue culture techniques

Molecular biology

Genetic transformation

Laboratory record keeping

Stakeholder collaboration

Health and safety mindset

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology/Plant Physiology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

SharePoint

Teams

Job description

CSIRO in Canberra is seeking a Research Technician to plan and carry out experiments, supporting tissue culture and gene editing research for commercial crops. You will work with the Plant Trait Innovation team, gaining hands-on lab experience and contributing to innovative approaches in germplasm improvement.

Essential qualifications include a degree in molecular biology or plant sciences, plant tissue culture experience, and a proven ability to keep precise lab records.