Job Title: Library Officers
Word Limit: 350-500 words per response
Location: ACT
SC1: Sound technical knowledge and the ability to adapt your technical knowledge base
A natural leader in thought as well as in action, I am focused and confident, conceptualizing new
tactics and bringing ideas to life through designing the mechanisms for implementation and
inspiring others to assume a group focused mentality whilst working together towards strategic
goals. I am able to deliver results and bring issues to resolution; this capability was demonstrated
whilst studying and in the successful completion of both the Bachelor of Science Biological
Techniques and Specimen Preparation at Christian college (2003-2006) and the Masters of Science
– Biotechnology at Women’s Christian College (2006-2008).
Example of my ability to easily adapt technical knowledge can be seen in the courseware projects
completed during my Bachelors and Masters, where I was required to complete work with
molecular biology and genetic engineering as a subject and this involved experimental testing
using molecular techniques. Whilst studying, I was able to form solid analytical skills that can be
adapted to a myriad of situations, applying my knowledge whilst following a regimented and
regulated examination process.
As a Research Trainee based in the plant tissue culture section of the department at Rubber
Research Institute of India over August and September 2010, I was part of a team working on
Micropropagation of Hevea through somatic embryogenesis as well as Hevea genetic
transformation. Whist this role was very different to my previous working experiences however it
did still require me to adhere to a series of strict testing criteria and leaned heavily on my technical
abilities.
Evidence of these abilities can be displayed during my post as Research Project Officer
CSIRO (ACT) over several contract positions between October 2010 and February 2013. My
project involved carrying out repetitive testing and modifying starch biosynthetic pathway in
cereals, to produce starches in planta with human health benefits. My work focussed primarily on
the screening of large number of wheat lines through biochemical and molecular genetic means.
This role required specialist knowledge and experience using documented processes and relied
heavily on the adaptation of my solid technical skills, learned during study.
I draw on my personal and academic experiences in all situations and aim to and identify and
implement possible improvements and strive to continue to grow my knowledge base. Both my
past and current employment roles have all relied on my ability to deliver required outcomes
within tight timeframes under changing priorities, drawing on my academic knowledge and
concepts and applying these to practical situations.
My own self-awareness and commitment to personal development is demonstrated through my
dedication to my studies thus far and my thirst for knowledge within my chosen career. I challenge
myself to continue to grow both professionally and personally, striving for further knowledge and
experiences which will extend my skills. I am highly confident that these examples of my study
and employment experiences prove that I posses sound technical knowledge and the ability to
adapt your technical knowledge base.
SC2: Ability to learn to apply legal concepts to your work
Throughout both my study and career experiences to date I have been required to display a keen
understanding of business – centric policies and procedures and adhere to these for each
particular company.
Following policies and procedures in my role as Research Project Officer with Commonwealth
Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) (ACT) meant that I was required to
understand the guidelines of the Office of Gene Technology, the independent statutory office
holder, responsible for administering the Gene Technology Act 2000. Making sure that all
processes and procedures were strictly followed was a critical component of my duties and
adhering to these guidelines not only affected how one was to carry out scientific research but
also determined how as scientists we behaved around and utilised sensitive and often dangerous
clinical laboratory equipment. Often placed within two teams working in conjunction I was called
on to report to my direct and other department leaders in regards to safety and legal
requirements for activities our teams were sharing. Here, I needed to be informed and aware of
any legislative changes or legal requirements that may affect our projects and funding.
The CSIRO position also required me to report on daily project progress and changes in our
research. I was charged with monitoring progress with each team member and those of other
teams and noting changes and advancements in both my person a shared team lab book.
My clinical experience also encompasses the use, care and maintenance of radiation and UV
equipment which was I utilised to ascertain DNA band gels. This equipment also required
particular safety measures appropriate care whilst handling it and complying with the safety and
legal guideline as set out by the governing body of The Australian Radiation Protection and
Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) which handles confidentiality requirement around intellectual
property law.
Whilst holding the position of Lecturer in Immunology, Biochemistry, Plant and Animal
Biotechnology with Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce between July 2008 and March
2010, I was responsible for practical training in the above mentioned subjects and for managing
and supervising student care and safety. Part of the curriculum was training, observation and
marking of student adherence and understanding of both the safety and legal requirements of
working with hazardous chemical and equipment in such a volatile environment, which was a
critical component of both mine and my students academic success. All of which demonstrates my
ability to learn to apply legal concepts to my work.
SC3: Highly developed research, analytical and conceptual thinking skills
I am focused and confident, conceptualizing new tactics and bringing ideas to life through
designing the mechanisms for implementation and inspiring others to assume a group focused
mentality whilst working together towards strategic goals.
Whilst in the position of Research Project Officer CSIRO through a regimented and regulated
examination process I was able to map findings, changes and advancements in our project matter.
This project centred around research for the plant industry focussing on modifying starch
biosynthetic pathway in cereals to produce starches in planta with human health benefits.
My role was to carrying out repetitive analysis and monitoring of and document findings for
myself, my team and fellow doctorate scientists working on neighbouring teams conducting
research relevant to but not the same as ours.
For this and other research the positions I have held, I have been entrusted to collate and then to
present information on our research progress this might include giving a presentation on my
individual findings, the findings of my team and those of other teams we were collaborating with.
A presentation such as this may include detailing the processes I used to produce the report – how
I sought, investigated and the steps I took to collate the information within the report, to
Directors, Senior Managers and external clients via a manner of means including Powerpoint
presentation, printed information downloaded via Excel spreadsheet and verbally.
Report contents have centred around confirmation of tissue mutations of wheat plants on
photographic film and displayed mine and other researcher’s analytical processes, analytical skills
and results. Feedback from all leaders and team members was that I displayed sound decision
making skills using concentrated judgement thoroughly displaying my understanding of entering
accurate research data in order to present the true results and also drawing my leaders attention
to obvious and somewhat ambiguous changes that were integral the success of the project. Here I
was able to display my solid awareness of auditing procedures, regulatory compliance,
international and national research standards and an awareness of ethical research issues.
I have developed partnerships in shared services arrangements, including areas of governance,
mechanisms and partnership agreements, as well as worked displayed Information Technology (IT)
competence leading change on technical solutions for our research.
Whist with CSIRO initially on a temporary basis, feedback reports received from my leaders
indicated that I was a valued addition to the team who provided consistent contribution to
individual and team goals and this resulted in my tenure being considerably extended. My ability
to understand and interpret information has been proven by the consistent positive feedback I
received from my peers and leaders indicating my highly developed research, analytical and
conceptual thinking skills.
SC4: Demonstrated ability to understand and articulate complex ideas both verbally and in
writing
Working alongside my management team and colleagues I am often called on to give provide
project status updates and progress. I am required to present detailed information around highly
technical, analytical and scientific terminology detailing project results including the successful
actions I had taken to produce the report. Topics included steps I had actioned, means I used to
investigate and method I formed to collate the information. My audience included Senior
Managers internal and external stakeholders, governing bodies and colleagues. And I used varying
means to present such as Powerpoint, print outs and spreadsheets.
Comfortable and confident with information technology I relied on Excel to track and document
progress for my project analysis. This project mainly involved screening of wheat lines by
extraction of protein and their assay. I then entered the results of protein assay into a Microsoft
Excel spreadsheet and this data was used then used to determine the concentration of protein to
further prepare for polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blotting.
As part of my Research Project Officer role with CSIRO I was assisting with a project that focussed
on modifying starch biosynthetic pathway in cereals to produce starches in planta with
human health benefits. I was mostly involved in screening of a large number of wheat lines
through biochemical and molecular genetic means. I was keen to file and maintain all the
protocols so kept my lab book updated at all times. Entering experimental information and results
to the lab note book gave me a better understanding of the work and provided my supervisors
with timely information for their review. I transferred this information into an Excel spreadsheet, n
mapping results for sharing at team meetings.
My further information technology skills include preparing and presenting via Microsoft suite of
products including PowerPoint and Word for carrying out classroom based lectures, grading
papers and communicating with my students, fellow lecturers and internal and external
customers.
Throughout both my academic and research careers I have utilised various business – centric
computer software packages for the quantification of RNA and DNA, grading student exams and
tracking scientific experiments. I then utilised this information to establish open communication,
provide findings regarding student competencies, project outcomes and update leaders.
I have proven success in building and maintaining relationships with a variety of stakeholders on
projects I have led or implemented. My ability to understand and interpret and share information
has been proven by my consistent positive results as indicted to me by my leaders and from
excellent feedback received by satisfied stakeholders including students and fellow lecturers. My
high-level examiners skills include communicating task, project and assignment objectives to
students and leaders both verbally and in writing and for which I have received regular positive
feedback including recognition from my leaders and customers for my approachable and
welcoming manner which successfully demonstrates ability to understand and articulate complex
ideas both verbally and in writing.
SC5: Demonstrated desire for continued learning and ability to learn through feedback
Committed to ongoing professional development and lifelong learning, I have spent many years
dedicated gaining my current qualifications of Bachelor of Science Biological Techniques and
Specimen Preparation at Christian college (2003-2006) and the Masters of Science – Biotechnology
at Women’s Christian College (2006-2008).
Throughout my university studies and practical experience, I have appreciated the feedback and
mentoring I have received form colleagues and leaders and easily take on board suggestions
around both personal and professional growth making adjustments as required. I am keen to
participate in and respond well to the feedback received within my performance appraisals and
commit to ongoing personal development continually seeking feedback around both my work and
approach.
I have personally strive for educational excellence and am committed to achieve my best and
further my knowledge by keeping up-to-date with the latest developments and can demonstrate
this through the extensive list of seminars, workshops and training I have attended that have
related to the operation of various sophisticated equipment and instruments within the laboratory
environment. I keenly seek feedback, advice and mentoring opportunities from both my
colleagues and leaders.
I possess a genuinely flexible attitude challenging myself to learn then master new techniques – I
consider all learning experiences as an opportunity to personally grow and use these opportunities
as a stepping stone to improve my scientific skills and knowledge. As a Biotechnologist I focussed
on on-going education and continuous quality improvement and have easily applied this
dedication and my learned skills to all of my working roles and study.
Continuing to maintain an open and willing approach to learn has helped me develop many new
techniques which in-turn has enabled me to heighten my scientific skills, advancing my theoretical
knowledge and through this, I was provided an exciting opportunity to work with a group of
scientists and post-doctoral fellows.
In a laboratory and testing settings I apply a range of investigative techniques both proven and
experimental, to the same project matter in order to return high quality results that also offer
diverse methods for gleaning results. For this ability to ‘think outside of the square’ I have received
very encouraging and positive feedback from all project stakeholders and my leaders.
Supporting the forward direction, continuous improvement and change of a department or
organisation has formed a significant part of my career history. My roles all attest to my ability to
deliver outcomes under challenging circumstances, such as limited resources and information,
tight timeframes, changing requirements and priorities. Throughout, I have consistently
demonstrated a highly flexible approach with the ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously
and handle frequent interruptions together with continuing to accept feedback from my
colleagues, leaders and other stakeholders, thereby demonstrating evidence and commitment to
own professional development with a potential for future and ongoing development.
SC6: Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
I take great pride in my consistent ability to provide effective and efficient support to both
colleagues and leaders and gain great personal satisfaction from interacting with people of all
walks of life and job levels. I enjoy working both alone and within a team and am confident to
contribute in team meetings. My vast experience of interacting at all levels within my career and a
keen understanding of the requirements of those around me is displayed by the successful
supportive and collaborative relationships I have formed with both internal and external
customers.
My ability to contribute to effective team processes builds constructive relationships and nurtures
productive professional relationships with all individuals and organisations that I come across
during my duties and from this I am better placed to fulfil my role and assist my leader in fulfilling
theirs.
With a warm and approachable interpersonal style I am able to communicate professionally and
appropriately with all levels of staff and stakeholders and I am keen to assist my colleagues where
possible. I possess excellent interpersonal skills that enable me to present a positive corporate
image along with a clear and concise communication style, in a mutually respectful fashion putting
my colleagues at ease, enabling trust. This can be demonstrated by the support I provided to my
CSIRO colleagues when working in field, I had completed my tasks ahead of time and I stayed back
to assist fellow team members in their collection and storing of wheat endosperm samples.
Further evidence of which was exhibited in the dedication I displayed when recording, maintaining
and filing CSIRO project records keeping my individual and team journals updated at all times.
Entering all the experimental information and results to the lab note book gave me a better
understanding of the work and provided my supervisors with timely information for their review.
My project at CSIRO involved screening of wheat lines by extraction of protein and their assay. The
results of protein assay were entered into Excel spreadsheet and the data was used to determine
the concentration of protein to further prepare for polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and
western blotting.
Demonstrating a high level of personal drive and integrity, I successfully balance work with the
ability to multitask and remain focused. I strive for excellence in all tasks and projects I participate
in and believe that this exciting opportunity as an Examiner of Patents would suit my career goals
align with my analytical and investigative skills whilst utilising my ability to provide accurate
service and support within a strategic, compliance orientated environment.
I gain great personal satisfaction from to contributing to effective team processes and building
constructive relationships whilst sharing my skill-set and also learning from my colleagues and
leaders. I thrive in mutually respectful environments that will champion individual and team effort
which I am confident displays my ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
SC7: Displays sound decision making skills
Comfortable with using my initiative in any situation has assists me sharpen my decision making
skills. The decision making process can be quite technical and keeping a keen sense of the ‘end
result’ has prevailed during my career thus far. In making a decision, I try to be mindful of the
impact it may have on others so applying good judgement is necessary as well as the ability to
think independently. I have learned that any decision involves risk and this allows me also to trust
my instinct. I enjoy the flexibility to use my own judgement and initiative, always keeping within
protocols and following correct procedures.
In a laboratory, decision making is about following a formula and knowing when to introduce new
measures. Creating logical and ordered processes help me to document a clear and to be sure that
I have fully recognised all critical elements for a successful outcome. I have also found that being
organised and having the required tools within easy reach can assist in situations that require a
decision be made quickly and that the most effective decision making strategy for me is to keep
the end goal in mind and let your intuition suggest to me the right choice.
I value the feedback and varied points of view of all stakeholders in a group decision making
scenarios and wholly encourage all involved to contribute to the discussions, debates and analysis
without any fear of the other participants rejecting their ideas. Making sure that everyone
recognises the objective and required result helps to make the decision making process pleasant
and sees a collective agreement via the smoothest possible circumstances.
I enjoy bringing a team together to elicit open and honest group discussion using various problem
solving and decision making strategies together to clarify the best avenue. Generating a number of
different options may seem to make a decision more complicated at first but I find the act of
coming up with alternatives forces me to dig deeper and look at the problem from different
angles.
As a Research Trainee based in the plant tissue culture section of the department at Rubber
Research Institute of India, a large part of my role was monitoring tissue action and reporting all
changes to my superiors – where the tiniest change could totally affect project outcomes. Utilising
my acute decision making skills was paramount to record keeping and knowing when to alert
stakeholders to changes equally as important. Results of this study were then used as a
benchmark for future testing and were prepared for presentation in medical industry journals.
Feedback from my leaders was that I displayed sound decision making skills using concentrated
judgement thoroughly displaying my understanding of accurate research data in order to present
the accurate results then drawing my leaders attention to obvious and somewhat ambiguous
changes that were integral the success of the project confirming that I confidently display sound
decision making skills.
