Address
Salary- APS 4 - $72,002 - $78,386 per annum plus superannuation
- Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
- Brisbane (QLD), Melbourne (VIC), Mickleham (VIC), Perth (WA) and Sydney (NSW)
• Applying your laboratory technical skills, organisational abilities and initiative, you will support a busy department laboratory in the delivery of critical biosecurity diagnostic testing.
• You will work within a growing Laboratory Operations team to continually improve the efficiency and effectiveness of laboratory performance and promote biocontainment, safety and quality assurance standards.
• Vacancies in multiple locations.
Who we are
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 and diverse surveillance and diagnostic services around Australia, including animal and plant health surveillance measures.
The Laboratory Operations Section ensures the scientists within departmental laboratories are equipped with the resources required to deliver critical plant health diagnostic testing. This team is leading reform aimed at embedding efficiency and effectiveness of laboratory performance and promoting biocontainment, safety and quality assurance standards.
The Jobs
You will bring a high level of initiative and exceptional organisation skills to the day-to-day operations within your laboratory. Together with your Laboratory Operations Manager, you will work collaboratively as part of an interlaboratory network to ensure harmonised national workflows whilst prioritising the day-to-day needs of the scientists you are supporting. Key responsibilities include:
• conducting laboratory preparatory work to support diagnostic testing outcomes in accordance with guidelines and procedures
• procuring consumables, preparing reagents (eg. buffers and microbiological media), receiving and registering samples, performing routine laboratory assays (eg. nucleic acid extractions) and facilitating equipment maintenance whilst keeping accurate records to required standards for reporting in relevant systems
• proactively identifying opportunities to continually improve efficiency and effectiveness of laboratory performance eg. biocontainment (eg. microbiological) and quality (eg. ISO/IEC 17025)
• promoting and maintaining a safe work culture in the laboratory
• liaising, where necessary, with staff across work streams and providing feedback on testing outcomes and workflows
• keeping up to date with technical developments relevant to the assigned tasks and laboratory needs
• contributing to a harmonised team environment by completing all assigned tasks and taking the initiative to assist other team members with technical or administrative tasks.
Please note that this recruitment process will be used to fill several ongoing vacancies in the section with one vacancy available in each of the five locations listed on the job description. 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 vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.
What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
The successful applicants will have:
• laboratory technician experience, with knowledge in at least one area of microbiology, molecular biology, entomology, plant pathology, botany or another field relevant to biosecurity
• a deep understanding of at least one of the following:
- Biosecurity and biocontainment.
- Safety in laboratories
- Quality assurance and quality control and how these apply to the tasks and associated compliance activities.
• experience in scientific documentation, record keeping and reporting and the application of this across a broad subject area such as procurement, inventory and maintenance of consumables and assets, coordination of technical meetings, travel and development activities.
Eligibility and other requirements
The successful applicants must:
• hold a current Apply First Aid Certificate or have the ability to obtain this qualification
• hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence.
For additional information, please read the Job Description below.
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