Molecular Biologist

• APS 5 - $88,834 - $96,829 per annum plus superannuation
• Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
• Perth, WA

Looking for a career where your scientific expertise can make a meaningful contribution? Join our Perth-based Molecular Biology team and help deliver high-quality diagnostic services, advance molecular capability, and support Australia's biosecurity system. Apply now and help safeguard Australia's future. 

Why YOU are important to us and what impact will you have on the Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division and the departments’ goal.

We protect Australia’s plant health to support trade, the economy, and the environment. Our division provides scientific advice, diagnostics, biosecurity training, and risk assessments. We enable safe plant imports, strengthen systems, and engage stakeholders. Surveillance and response are conducted at national entry points and approved sites, including northern Australia. We work closely with communities and Indigenous rangers to manage biosecurity risks, including in the Torres Strait.

Our scientists are on the front line of biosecurity, leading early detection and response for pests, diseases and weeds at entry points and across northern Australia. We deliver diagnostics, inspections, and training that help stop biosecurity threats before they spread. By working with stakeholders and sharing expertise, we strengthen Australia’s ability to protect its agriculture, environment and communities.

The Molecular Biologist works within a multidisciplinary team to deliver a timely molecular diagnostics service that supports regulatory decision making. The role conducts molecular tests on invertebrate, fungal, bacterial, plant and other organisms submitted from biosecurity inspections and surveillance activities and supports the national team in the continuous improvement of our quality systems.

This is where you play an important role.

Key duties for this position 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 invertebrate, fungal, bacterial, plant and other organisms submitted to the laboratory from biosecurity inspections and surveillance activities.
• Contributing to engagement with internal stakeholders to resolve complex molecular diagnostic issues to support biosecurity decisions.
• Contributing to the implementation of operational and 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.
• Promoting and adhering to the Australian Public Sector (APS) Values, Employment Principles and Code of Conduct.
• Supporting and complying with laboratory systems for safety, quality, biocontainment, data, and operational efficiency in line with the quality management system, legislation, and policies.
• Contributing to continuous improvement of processes and procedures, including digital integration and automation. 

Please note that the merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.

Our ideal candidate will have:
Knowledge and experience

• Demonstrated experience working in a laboratory and working with a range of molecular diagnostic technologies and techniques including DNA extraction and PCR.
• Demonstrated experience in the accurate reporting of results.
• Knowledge of molecular diagnostics of invertebrates, plants or plant pathogens.
• Experience in troubleshooting methods and equipment.
• Familiarity with the principles of ISO accredited laboratories is desirable. 

Mandatory Qualifications
This position requires you to hold a Bachelor's degree in molecular, agricultural or biological science.

VetPaths
The Australian Public Service (APS) values the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that veterans gain during their Australian Defence Force (ADF) employment and encourage veterans to apply. Support may be available to veterans transitioning to meaningful APS careers through participation in VetPaths, which offers veterans an opportunity to participate in a six-month program offering formal learning and development, career mentoring and activities for wellness and peer support. More information can be found here.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below. 

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