
Website Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The Job
The key duties of the position includes:
· Undertaking routine molecular based assays (including high-throughput sequencing) involving specimens and samples of biosecurity interest analysed under conditions of biosecurity containment and the laboratory’s quality management system.
· Developing and validating molecular assays in a quality assured environment.
· Working closely with taxonomic specialists to enhance molecular diagnostic interpretations.
· Communicating and collaborating with other laboratory staff to actively resolve problems and address scientific challenges and aid other areas of the laboratory as required.
· Investigating, validating and implementing innovative technologies such as high throughput sequencing or sampling techniques such as environmental DNA (eDNA).
· Providing advice or expertise, as required, to reference/training groups or forums.
· Providing training and troubleshooting for other staff in the use of rapid test methods, such as LAMP and qPCR.
· Purchasing and registering of reagents.
· Providing input into WHS and quality assurance aspects of laboratory management.
· Managing and maintaining samples, data and databases in accordance with policy, data quality standards including the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and sample-based and electronic reference collections.
What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
The successful applicant will have:
· Experience in molecular data analysis and bioinformatics (mandatory).
· Experience using molecular techniques including nucleic acid amplification and sequencing using Sanger or Nanopore technologies (mandatory).
· Experienced in performing sequence analysis using a range of bioinformatics software to construct and interpret phylogenetic data (mandatory).
· Ability to develop and/or optimise existing protocols to allow identification of organisms for which protocols are not currently available or inadequate (mandatory).
· Experience operating under conditions of biosecurity containment (desirable).
· Experience operating in a quality assured laboratory (desirable).
· Experience in handling microorganisms under aseptic conditions (desirable).
Skills and capabilities
The successful applicant will have:
· A methodical and organised approach to conducting molecular analysis as well as being innovative.
· The ability to grasp information quickly in order to use it proactively and work practically and collaboratively with minimal supervision.
· Excellent team-building, communication and inter-personal skills.
· Demonstrated personal integrity and commitment to deliver the work through effective planning and diligent management of available resources and time
· Clear and respectful communication style while maintaining the integrity of the message.
· A demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive working relationships to achieve required or agreed operational/business outcomes.
Flexible employment arrangements are available with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Closing date for applications: 10 March 2023
Apply via: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/jobs/apply
To apply for this job please visit www.agriculture.gov.au.