eDNA Data Specialist

CSIRO Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia eDNA Data Specialist CSIRO is seeking a highly motivated eDNA biodiversity data specialist to join our team. 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. 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. The opportunity Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an exciting frontier, changing the way we explore, measure and understand our oceans. To maximise its impact, Australia’s marine eDNA data must be accessible and reusable. We are solving this challenge and are seeking a specialist to develop operational tooling and data infrastructure—protocols, scripts, code, software pipelines, interfaces and guidelines—to transform eDNA datasets into high‑quality, standards‑compliant biodiversity data collections. The output will be integrated with, published on and disseminated through existing infrastructure. High‑level 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 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 the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS), GBIF and the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA). Collaborate with research teams to interpret eDNA results and define metadata, ensuring alignment with FAIR 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 to support CSIRO scientific objectives. Adhere to CSIRO’s Code of Conduct, Health, Safety and Environment procedures, diversity initiatives and personal safety goals. Role particulars Location: Hobart, TAS (other locations may be considered) Salary: AU$118,102k – AU$127,807 per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time) + 15.4% superannuation Tenure & work schedule: 1‑year term, 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 to data publishing (e.g., DADA2, QIIME2). Some experience building or maintaining data pipelines using Python, R or workflow managers (Snakemake, Dagster, Airflow, Prefect). Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively. Excellent communication skills, especially in explaining technical concepts to non‑technical collaborators. Desirable criteria Practical experience with Darwin Core terms, data schemas and publishing tools such as GBIF IPT. Familiarity with software development practices: version control (Git), testing, documentation, Docker containerisation. Experience with relational databases and data validation. Experience with biodiversity data networks (GBIF, OBIS, Atlas of Living Australia). Prior work on open‑source biodiversity informatics tools. Understanding of taxonomic data management and biodiversity metadata standards (EML, Audubon Core). Contact and application For full details, please review the Position Description and consider applying. Applications close 30 November 2025, 11:00 pm AEDT. Please apply online and submit a CV and cover letter (max 2 pages) that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the selection criteria. #J-18808-Ljbffr