eDNA Data Specialist

eDNA Data Specialist 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 Transform eDNA into powerful biodiversity insights Build the data highways connecting Australia’s marine life to the world Team up with innovators driving the future of FAIR and open ocean science 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. Opportunity Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an exciting frontier, changing the way we explore, measure and understand our oceans. To have maximum effect, Australia’s marine eDNA data will need to be accessible and re‑usable. We are working on solving this challenge and are seeking a highly motivated eDNA biodiversity data specialist to join our team. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering operational tooling and data infrastructure, such as protocols, scripts, code, software pipelines, interfaces and guidelines, to transform environmental DNA (eDNA) datasets into high‑quality, standards‑compliant biodiversity data collections. Output data collections will be integrated with, published on and disseminated to existing infrastructure. Key duties Transform eDNA derived data (e.g., sequence read counts, taxonomic assignments) into Darwin Core–compliant datasets. Implement and maintain data publication pipelines for eDNA‑derived biodiversity data. Develop and optimise ETL (extract–transform–load) workflows to ensure data quality, version control, and reproducibility. Contribute to the development of software tools or scripts (Python, R, or similar) to automate data validation, transformation, and publication. Implement emerging standards and tools for eDNA data integration with OBIS, GBIF and the Atlas of Living Australia. Collaborate with research teams to interpret eDNA results and define metadata, ensuring alignment with FAIR data principles. Coordinate with biodiversity informatics platforms (e.g., GBIF IPT, OBIS) for dataset registration, publishing, and updates. Provide guidance and training to team members and stakeholders on best practices in eDNA data standards and publication workflows. Communicate openly, effectively, and respectfully with all staff, clients, and suppliers. Work collaboratively as part of a multi‑disciplinary, regionally dispersed research team, and business unit to carry out tasks in support of CSIRO scientific objectives. Role particulars Location: Hobart, TAS (other locations may be considered) Salary: AU$118,102 k–AU$127,807 per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time) + 15.4% superannuation Tenure & work schedule: Specified term of 1 year, Full‑time Reference: Essential Criteria Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in bioinformatics, marine ecology, data engineering or a related field. Familiarity with eDNA research workflows, from sample collection through to data publishing (e.g., bioinformatic pipelines including DADA2, QIIME2). Some experience building or maintaining data pipelines (e.g., using Python, R, or workflow managers like Snakemake, Dagster, Airflow, Prefect). Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. Excellent communication skills, particularly in explaining technical concepts to non‑technical collaborators. Desirable Criteria Practical experience with Darwin Core terms, data schemas, and publishing tools (e.g., GBIF IPT). Familiarity with software development practices (e.g., version control with Git, testing, documentation, Docker containerisation). Experience with relational databases and data validation. Experience with biodiversity data networks (GBIF, OBIS, Atlas of Living Australia, etc.). Prior work on open‑source biodiversity informatics tools. Understanding of taxonomic data management and biodiversity metadata standards (EML, Audubon Core, etc.). Application Process Applications close 30 November 2025, 11:00 pm AEDT. Please apply online and submit a CV and cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the selection criteria of this role. Eligibility Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens, New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents, and Australian Temporary Residents with a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements. Additional Information CSIRO is committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. Please contact Laura Mason via if you require adjustments to the process. CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award. We are an equal employment opportunity organisation and prioritise diversity, equity and inclusion. #J-18808-Ljbffr