Job TitleAPS 5 - $81,690 - $89,615 per annum plus superannuation
Plant Protection & Environmental Biosecurity Division
Brisbane, QLD, Cairns, QLD
Formulate the ideas and advice that will help Australia meet the biosecurity challenges of the future. Work in a multidisciplinary team across a large variety of organisms affecting biosecurity. Use your diagnostic skills to develop and implement new and exciting genomic applications. Who we areThe Plant Protection and Environmental Biosecurity Division (PPEBD) provides policy leadership and support for plant health and environmental biosecurity. PPEBD is the home of the Australian Chief Plant Protection Officer (ACPPO) and Australian Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer (ACEBO). The division aims to improve Australia's plant health and environmental biosecurity systems and outcomes; helps meet relevant national and international obligations; and works to minimise the impacts of current and emerging biosecurity risks to Australia's agricultural production and trade, environment, Indigenous and cultural heritage and associated amenities.
The division is comprised of two branches: the Plant Health Policy Branch and the Environmental Biosecurity Office, which also oversees the Australian Plague Locust Commission's activities.
The Plant Health Policy Branch provides a national focal point for plant biosecurity issues within Australia and has responsibility for the national leadership in managing Australia's plant health. The work of the branch underpins biosecurity and helps to open new, and maintain existing, domestic and international markets for Australian plant industries.
The JobThe role conducts DNA testing for biosecurity plant health in the department's laboratory at Brisbane. Under the general direction of the Senior Molecular Biologist, 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 entomology and/or plant pathology samples.Conducting genomic analysis for the determination of population assignment or functional characteristics of an organism.Contributing to engagement with internal stakeholders to resolve complex molecular diagnostic issues in support of biosecurity decisions.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. What are we looking for Knowledge and ExperienceDemonstrated experience in delivery of molecular diagnostics utilising conventional and emerging technologies as well as experience in troubleshooting and transferring skills to technical staff.Knowledge of the techniques used in analysis of DNA sequence data for the taxonomic assignment of plant pathogen and/or entomology samples.Knowledge of the processes used in functional and/or population level genomic applications.Demonstrated experience in the accurate reporting of diagnostic data. Mandatory QualificationsThe 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.
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