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, setting 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.

The key duties of the position include:

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.

Eligibility

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.

The successful candidate:

- Must hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence.
- Must meet the physical requirements of the role. Role involves a combination of outdoor and office-based work.
- May be required to participate in an on-call roster (with appropriate restriction allowance) and be available to perform duty outside standard hours.
- May be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work.
- May be required, from time to time, to work in difficult, remote and harsh environments (possibly for extended periods) under limited supervision or in teams.
- Must wear appropriate protective personal equipment clothing and comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures.
- Must satisfactorily complete the department’s Biosecurity Foundation Program and meet minimum requirements to be appointed a Biosecurity Officer under the Biosecurity Act 2015.

📌 Molecular Biologist (Perth)
🏢 Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
📍 Perth