Address3 year contract within the Defence Science and Technolog Group (DSTG). For an experienced Virologist or Molecular Biologist interested in developing a rapid point-of-care diagnostic test targeting pathogens transmitted by mosquiitos and the like
- Requires in molecular biology techniques and Australian Citizenship (for security clearance reasons)
- Hourly rate depends on experience
- Fishermens Bend, Victoria
Your overall objective is
- the Growth and maintenance of cell lines and virus stocks
- Test and evaluation of diagnostic and detection platforms to inform Defence projects
A normal day includes,
- Growth and maintenance of cell lines
- Propagation, harvesting of arboviruses (PC2 and PC3), molecular techniques such as RNA extractions, quantification (e.g. qPCR, TCID50, plaque assays etc), virus sequencing
- Test and evaluation of point-of-care diagnostic and detection assays
- Contribution to writing reports as required
- Communication with external collaborators
- Excellent communication, planning and organisational skills with an ability to work independently or part of a small team under general direction
About the project
The Biological Defence Group within Sensors and Effectors Division of Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) require a contractor with relevant experience to undertake work within their Biological Agent Detection team.
The team is contributing to a collaborative project developing a rapid point-of-care diagnostic test targeting specifically identified pathogens.
The assays developed will be tested and evaluated at DST using viral material prepared at DST.
You'll need
We seek a contractor with experience working with viruses, preferably arthropod transmitted viruses (arboviruses) at PC2 level.
Skills in molecular biology techniques such as qPCR and isothermal assays, serological techniques such as TCID50 or virus neutralisation, and experience handling different samples types (e.g. human clinical and infected mosquito samples) are essential.
Previous experience working in a diagnostic setting or a NATA-accredited laboratory, and/or in a PC3 laboratory is highly desirable but not essential.
Australilan Citizenship is essential
