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.
Role highlights
- Deliver vital diagnostic histology services at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness
- Drive method development and optimisation to support emerging disease research and national surveillance programs
- Support on-site teams and CSIRO’s wider scientific community
About CSIRO
As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.
Visit CSIRO.au for more information.
The opportunity
As part of the Diagnosis, Surveillance and Response (DSR) Program, the Histologist will join the Histology team and play a central role in delivering diagnostic histology services at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP). The DSR Program provides diagnostic and research capability required to investigate and respond to newly emerging diseases affecting livestock and other animals. The Histology team delivers science to both the DSR and research groups within the ACDP and the wider scientific community.
The Histologist performs all basic and complex histological techniques including immunohistochemistry to identify markers of infection. This role will also contribute to the planning, testing and optimisation of new markers to be used by the laboratory. The position also has a vital role in assisting the DSR program with continuing support for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) surveillance throughout Australia.
The appointee must be able to meet ACDP’s microbiological security and security assessment requirements.
Your high-level duties will include:
- Contribute to all aspects of a histology laboratory. Specific duties include but are not limited to: specimen accessioning into LIMS system, specimen cut-up and processing, embedding, microtomy, basic histological stains and immunohistochemistry, including the characterisation of new antibodies using advanced technical skills
- Under general direction, contribute to research and/or technology through the development of original and adapted experimental methods.
- Contribute to QA requirements, maintaining up-to-date and accurate test records as well as annual updates of procedures and manuals. Participate in proficiency testing schemes.
Role particulars & eligibility
- Location: Geelong– Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), Victoria
- Salary: AU$100,103 - AU$113,251 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus 15.4% superannuation
- Tenure & work schedule: Specified Term of 12 months. Full-time. On-site 5 days per week
- Reference: 102616
Eligibility:
- Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens.
- Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements. Please refer to the Position Description for details.
- Appointment to this role is subject to obtaining and maintaining Negative Vetting Level 1 Australian security clearance
- You must be willing and able to comply with the special requirements outlined in the position description.
As the successful candidate, you will bring:
Essential
- Relevant tertiary qualification in science, preferably Applied Science.
- Knowledge and extensive experience in all operational aspects of a histology laboratory, including tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, microscopy, routine staining and using laboratory information systems (LIMS).
- Advanced immunohistochemistry skills including the characterization of novel antibodies and optimization of staining protocols.
- Experience working in a NATA accredited histology laboratory and the maintenance of relevant quality assurance systems.
- Demonstrated ability working both independently and co-operatively as a member of a larger team to deliver successful outcomes and coordinate projects involving stakeholders from broad-ranging expertise areas.
Desirable
- A relevant Master’s or PhD qualification and/or experience in a fast-paced commercial diagnostic laboratory and in situ hybridisation (ISH).
- The ability to train and mentor staff.
For full details about this role, and all criteria, please review the Position Description. Please note: Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.
Setting you up for success
We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that individuals may have different needs, and we’re happy to discuss what adjustments to our process may help you feel safe, respected and able to participate fully. Please contact [email protected] and let us know how we can support you.
Life, benefits and flexible work arrangements
We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process, noting that this role requires the successful candidate to be onsite 5 days per week. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.
Inclusion and belonging
Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.
CSIRO holds Platinum Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.
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.
How to apply
Please apply online, and provide a CV and a detailed cover letter (maximum 2 pages), 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.
We encourage early applications, as we will be starting to review applications as they come through. CSIRO reserves the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date if required.
Applications close
30 March 2026, 11:59pm AEST
