Biosecurity Research Officer

**Position **Biosecurity Research Officer

**Position Number **1848A01** Level/Classification **HEW0708***

**Reports to **Associate Professor in Biosecurity Research

**Unit **Harry Butler Institute

**Directorate **Research and Innovation

**Positions Supervised **Nil***

**Position Purpose**

This position will undertake invasive species surveillance and research including invertebrates,

vertebrates and plants in terrestrial and marine ecosystems on Barrow Island. The position

will provide technical and logístical support for interns, students (undergraduate and

graduate), visiting researchers and volunteers. On occasions this may involve pastoral care

of graduate students.

Based principally at Murdoch University, the Biosecurity Research Officer will regularly visit

(15 day cycle) Barrow Island, where the Chevron-operated Gorgon Project is location (60km

off the north coast of Western Australia).

**About Murdoch University**

Murdoch University helps people discover how to make a difference, through education and

research endeavour, and remains one of the most inclusive universities in the country,

providing students with quality education and recognised academic standing within an

engaging and caring environment. We are a university for all, irrespective of background and

social standing with a focus on social equity, self-direction and freedom of thought and belief.

With strong links to government, business and the community, Murdoch University helps

people discover how to make a difference. We are a young, innovative and enterprising

university with more than 23,000 students and 1,700 staff across Perth, Singapore and Dubai.

We are committed to high quality education, innovative research, and strong community

engagement both locally and internationally.

Our Strategic Plan and Future Horizon 2017-2027 outlines an ambitious blueprint for

development and growth, with a focus on one purpose: to be a creative force for current and

future generations.

We are clear about our two core goals: to educate free thinkers who thrive in society and are

sought after by employers; and, to provide life changing solutions for the world’s big

challenges through our outstanding translational research and innovative practice.

**About the Work Area**

The Harry Butler Institute is one of the three Murdoch University institutes that bring together

leading researchers from across the University to deliver world class

multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary translational research that benefits government, industry

and the community. The Harry Butler Institute brings together all of the disciplines that

contribute to the coexistence of business and biodiversity in order that society can create

maximum value for the community whilst simultaneously safeguarding the environment.

The primary objective of the Harry Butler Institute is to give expression and recognition to

the legacy of Dr Harry Butler in world-class science, education and environmental

management ‘ _you can have conservation with development_ ’ (Harry Butler, 2015).

**Reporting Relationships**

Associate Professor in
Biosecurity Research

Biosecurity Research
Officer

**Key Responsibilities/Duties**

1. Conduct surveillance monitoring of marine and terrestrial invertebrates, vertebrates

and plants (majority of work will be terrestrial), using existing monitoring protocols

already established.

2. Analyse existing surveillance datasets and write up publications where appropriate.

3. Provide assistance to research scientists, and co-supervision/support to PhD and

honours students.

4. Design, organise and conduct research projects relating to surveillance as requested

by the supervisor.

5. Liaise with researchers based in the biosecurity science team at Murdoch, Chevron

personnel, and more broadly with other researchers as required.

7. Carry out, and assist with, other duties as required.

Murdoch University Position Description - Professional Positions

**Selection Criteria**

**Essential**

1. Undergraduate degree in biosecurity or a related field.

2. Willingness and ability to work independently in a remote location for extended

periods.

3. Proven ability to plan and undertake research projects (including data analysis and

report writing), and to work with students.

4. Ability to work as part of a large interdisciplinary team.

5. Demonstrated understanding and strict adherence to Occupational Health and Safety

obligations.

6. Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to

engage with external stakeholders (i.e. Chevron, government departments).

**Desirable**

1. Experience working at remote industry sites.

2. Evidence of academic publications and/or industry reports.

3. Experience in biosecurity working with invertebrates or vertebrates in a terrestrial

environment.

**Work Requirements**

1. A willingness and ability to travel domestically on a regular basis.

2. Current