Molecular Biologist

APS 5 - $78,548 - $86,168 per annum plus superannuation
- Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
- Mickleham, VIC
- _Join a motivated and professional team with a wide range of skill sets and backgrounds. _
- _Work in a world-class biocontainment facility. _
- _City based location with flexible work options._

**Who we are**
Biosecurity Plant Division provides a contemporary, responsive, sustainable, intelligence-led and science-based plant biosecurity system that protects Australia's plant health status. The work of the division supports agricultural productivity, competitiveness and market access for plant and plant products imports and exports. The division pursues new market access for Australian exporters, particularly opportunities arising from finalised free trade agreements. The division conducts plant pest and disease risk analyses, develops and implements risk mitigation measures and works collaboratively to strengthen Australia’s plant pest prevention, preparedness and response capabilities both within Australia and regionally.

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 Torres Strait and diverse surveillance and diagnostic services around Australia, including animal and plant health surveillance measures under the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy.

The SSG team based at the Commonwealth Post Entry Quarantine facility, deliver a range of diagnostic services related to the management of high-risk plant imports. We are a multi-discipline team specialising in plant pathology, molecular biology, in vitro techniques, transmission electron microscopy and bioinformatics.

**The Job**
- undertaking plant disease diagnostics, across a broad range of imported commodities and exotic pathogens, using a range of molecular methods including PCR, qPCR, Sanger sequencing and high throughput sequencing,
- coordinating and undertaking day-to-day operations of laboratories including ordering, consumables stock control, negotiating with suppliers, maintaining equipment, safety and record keeping,
- maintaining accurate computer-based and manual records of laboratory workflows, accessing reference databases and harnessing information to support laboratory outcomes,
- prioritising and managing time to provide efficient and effective delivery of molecular diagnostic services to meet internal and external client expectations,
- working independently or under limited guidance and with a high level of initiative, integrity and flexibility to lead and support the work practices of the team and the day-to-day operations of the laboratory,
- promoting and ensuring compliance with departmental WHS policies and guidelines and being alert for and reporting risks regarding WHS issues.

**Skills and capabilities**
Professional and scientific technical proficiency:

- demonstrated ability to build and sustain productive, positive, respectful relationships within a team, including contributing to and facilitating regular, constructive feedback and communication with your manager,
- well-developed ability to conduct routine molecular plant disease diagnostics and expertise in at least one key plant disease discipline areas (viruses, bacteria, phytoplasmas or fungi),
- be willing to undertake bioinformatics training for the analysis of high throughput sequencing,
- demonstrated skills in interpreting scientific literature and implementing new diagnostic protocols,
- ability to think laterally, solve problems and implement innovative solutions to improve existing practices under limited supervision,
- demonstrated ability to record data, analyse information, prepare reports and documentation, provide technical input to work instructions, guidelines and respond to requests for operational scientific advice,
- demonstrated initiative, self-motivation and an ability to commit energy and drive to see that goals are achieved in an efficient and timely manner.

**Knowledge and experience**
- demonstrated experience in diagnostic plant pathology, including strong molecular diagnostic skills,
- a good understanding of plant science in relation to plant health,
- the willingness to undertake training and adopt new skills as new diagnostic technologies are deployed,
- previous experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025 environment will be highly regarded.

**Eligibility**

**Mandatory Qualifications** - Bachelor of Science or equivalent.

**Citizenship**:

- To be eligible for employment with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry you must be an Australian citizen.

**Security Clearance** - This position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

**Pre-employment Check**:

- Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process incl