Current jobs related to Molecular Biologist/diagnostician - Brisbane - Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

APS 5 - $81,690 - $89,615 per annum plus superannuation
- Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
- Brisbane (QLD), Cairns (QLD), Darwin (NT), Melbourne (VIC), Mickleham (VIC), Perth (WA) or Sydney (NSW)
- _Fulfil your career in science in a highly-motivated national team._
- _Contribute to Australia’s world-class biosecurity system._
- _Enjoy competitive remuneration and conditions._

**Who we are**
Science and Surveillance Group (SSG) is comprised of scientists, operations and support staff responsible for regulatory advice and training, technical input to biosecurity policy, regulation activity in the Torres Strait and diverse surveillance and diagnostic services around Australia, including animal and plant health surveillance measures under the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy.

The Plant Pathology and Botany Section supports regulatory decision-making and biosecurity policy settings with plant health diagnostics at the Australian border, scientific expertise, and operational intelligence, working with the department and stakeholders to safeguard Australia from exotic plant diseases and weeds and to enable continued agricultural access to improved crop varieties imported through post-entry quarantine.

**The Jobs**
The roles provide molecular diagnostics for post-entry plant quarantine in the department’s laboratories at Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Mickleham, Moonee Ponds, Sydney and Perth. Under the general direction of the Senior Molecular Biologist/Plant Pathologist/Entomologist the Molecular Biologist/Diagnostician will undertake duties that include, but are not limited to:

- working effectively with other staff in the laboratory to ensure timely delivery of diagnostic activities, quality controls and technical advice
- conducting a range of procedures and molecular tests of samples submitted to the laboratory from plants under post-entry quarantine, or other locations
- collecting or sourcing samples suitable for laboratory diagnostics from plants in post-entry quarantine or other locations
- contributing to engagement with internal stakeholders to resolve complex molecular diagnostic issues in support of biosecurity decisions for plants under post-entry plant quarantine
- contributing to the implementation of strategic initiatives for the section nationally
- reporting, recording and analysing diagnostic results and verifying data, preparing formal reports and providing technical input to work instructions, guidelines and requests for operational policy advice
- complying with WHS requirements in the laboratory including contributing to a positive WHS culture, the identification and assessment of hazards and the development of safety controls
- contributing to the development and delivery of technical training to internal stakeholders
- contributing to operational and strategic initiatives in the section and SSG
- promoting and adhering to the Australian Public Sector (APS) Values, Employment Principles and Code of Conduct.

**Please note** that this recruitment process will **initially be used to fill one vacancy that is only available in Mickleham**. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch (where the duties are of a similar nature) and these **future vacancies may become available in any of the locations listed on the job description**.

**What we are looking for**
**Knowledge and experience**
- Demonstrated experience in the delivery of molecular diagnostics utilising conventional and emerging technologies as well as experience in troubleshooting and transferring skills to technical staff.
- Demonstrated experience with a range of molecular diagnostic technologies.
- Demonstrated experience in the accurate reporting of diagnostic data.

**Mandatory qualifications**
The successful applicants will have either tertiary qualifications in science (minimum bachelor’s degree) with a specialisation in molecular biology or the equivalent based on demonstrated experience and with graduate qualifications.

**Eligibility and other requirements**
The successful applicantx must:

- hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle driver licence
- note that you may be required to undertake activities in and outside post-entry quarantine facilities and that you may need to travel to other locations in Australia and, if required, offshore.