Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) plays a leadership role in the biosecurity system in collaboration with its stakeholders. BQ leads the Queensland Government's efforts to protect our way of life, environment, biodiversity, human and animal health, industries and economy from plant and animal pest and disease threats.

Through supporting the collective efforts of our stakeholders and all Queenslanders, BQ will continue to protect our state and Australia from emerging plant and animal pests and diseases and effectively manage existing ones.

Animal Biosecurity and Welfare (ABW) supports BQ's efforts to prevent, prepare, respond to, and recover from diseases threatening livestock industries and maintaining access to markets. Our people work together to help mitigate biosecurity risks, uphold standards for animal welfare and animal management and lead the overall DPI response to biosecurity emergency incidents to achieve outcomes consistent with the Department's strategic direction for leadership in animal welfare, exhibited animal, animal management and animal ethics policy and service delivery.

As Principal Veterinarian (Pathology), you will play a key role in protecting Queensland's animal health and biosecurity systems through the delivery of specialist veterinary pathology services. Working across a diverse range of animal species, you will contribute to disease surveillance, emergency animal disease preparedness, and evidence-based decision-making that supports animal industries, trade and market access.

This includes:

Diagnosing and investigating complex animal disease cases, including endemic, emerging and exotic diseases.




Providing specialist pathology advice and recommendations to veterinarians, industry groups and government agencies.
Supporting the continuous improvement of diagnostic, surveillance and laboratory services through collaboration, mentoring and professional leadership.

Mandatory qualifications:

A degree in Veterinary Science obtained from an Australian university or recognised equivalent.
Current or eligible registration with the Queensland Veterinary Surgeons Board.
Post-graduate qualification in veterinary pathology or ANZCVS membership.
Vaccination or immunity to Q fever, rabies, Japanese encephalitis will be required. Commitment to obtain vaccination or evidence of prior vaccination will be required prior to starting with Biosecurity Queensland.
This position will be required to participate in emergency response activities and participate in an on-call roster as out-of-hours work will be required on occasion.

Why work for us

Learn why our people choose DPI and more importantly why they stay.

Work with passion and purpose
Have a tangible impact, for today and tomorrow
Enjoy compelling, diverse work
Follow your path wherever it leads
Get the flexibility and support you need to thrive
Be part of our one, diverse DPI

https://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/about/who/people

Find purpose you feel, impact you see and a legacy you bring to life.

Join us and help preserve and protect Queensland's biosecurity.

Visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au to learn more about us and what we do.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/703512/26
Closing Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.

📌 Principal Veterinarian (Pathology) (Brisbane)
🏢 Queensland Government
📍 Brisbane