We are seeking a Senior Diagnostician and Research Scientist to lead the plant pathogen diagnostics team at Crop Health Services (CHS). Crop Health Services is a state-based diagnostic laboratory providing high quality plant diagnostics to both government and industry clients, to protect Victoria against plant diseases and underpin biosecurity, productivity and sustainability of Victorian and Australia agricultural industries. The laboratory is responsible for all Victorian plant biosecurity samples and is the only Victorian laboratory with the authority to diagnose an exotic pathogen in the state.
The position requires excellent plant disease diagnostic capabilities, using a range of traditional and new methodologies. It also requires excellent organisational skills and good verbal and written communication skills, as the incumbent will be responsible for the coordination of activities with other CHS team members. The Senior Diagnostician and Research Scientist will take a leadership role within CHS, managing and conducting diagnostic testing of endemic and exotic plant pathogens and reporting results to the Plant Pathology and Microbiology Research Leaders, Diagnostic Business Manager and directly to stakeholders. It is anticipated that this position will be responsible for growing the reputation, capability and volume of samples that are diagnosed within the diagnostics laboratory. This will be completed through managing and developing internal and external stakeholders. It is expected that the position will coordinate communication with the Chief Plant Health Officer Unit, showcasing the laboratory at industry events and being a relationship manager to clients. The Scientist will work with the team to implement outputs from Research and Development into general diagnostics.
The position of Senior Diagnostician and Research Scientist is located within the Microbial Sciences, Pests and Diseases Unit of Agriculture Victoria Research and reports directly to the Research Leader - Plant Pathology. The incumbent will directly manage the CHS Plant Pathology team and liaise with Microbiology CHS staff to ensure delivery of high-quality diagnostics outcomes for stakeholders. To ensure seamless communication across the teams the incumbent will work closely with the Research Leader - Microbiology, and the Diagnostic Business Manager. The successful applicant will be a good relationship manager, have strong leadership skills and strategic direction, as well as enjoy developing staff and spending time diagnosing samples.
Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications A PhD with a focus on plant disease, nematology or related field. Current Driver License Extensive knowledge and experience in diagnosing plant diseases using a broad range of diagnostic methodology operating under a quality management system, such as accredited by NATA, biosecurity/ quarantine material (i.e. OGTR or Department of Agriculture). Demonstrated experience in the ability to operate strategically to ensure continual improvement in diagnostic capability through the development and implementation of new and emerging diagnostic technologies from Research and Development into general diagnostics. Demonstrated ability to lead an effective team, modelling the Agriculture Victoria values and behaviours, providing supervision, leadership, training, and motivation to staff and post graduate students. Demonstrated ability to manage and communicate with internal and external stakeholders, and to build relationships with new stakeholders. Well-developed planning and organisational skills. The ability to regularly plan and track progress on work tasks and address priority tasks first. Ability to identify processes, tasks and resources required to achieve a goal. Experience maintaining clear and accurate records. This is