The Senior Technical Officer - Microbiology will provide scientific, technical, and operational support to Agriculture Victoria Research's (AVR) research activities for the National Grains Diagnostics and Surveillance Initiative (NGDSI) which is co-funded by AVR and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
This position will also participate in the general operational activities to support the quality management system and regulatory accreditation and contribute to horticultural and diagnostic activities within Crop Hygiene-Biosecurity Services, which underpin Victoria's agricultural biosecurity and agricultural productivity and supports DEECA's biosecurity obligations.
This position will report directly to the Manager - Crop Hygiene Biosecurity Services within the Microbial Sciences, Pests and Diseases (MSPD) Unit, of AVR and will be based at Agri Bio, Bundoora.
The position requires excellent management and organisational skills with focus on delivering projects on time and in budget and will provide program support to MSPD.
The incumbent will have excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
The incumbent should also have well developed skills in plant pathology and plant husbandry, to support the delivery of Crop Hygiene's commercial outputs.
The position may involve travel between Bundoora and Horsham research centres and will require independent work.
The successful applicant will work effectively as a member of a team, enjoy flexible working arrangements and undertake a wide variety of work across the division.
Accountabilities Provide operational and scientific support to the Manager - Crop Hygiene Biosecurity Services, the Research Leader- Microbiology, Research Director - Microbial Sciences, Pests and Diseases, and other senior colleagues and staff to ensure co-ordinated and effective delivery of projects, with a strong focus on outcome, innovation and scientific rigour.
Provide scientific and technical support to research projects and Crop Hygiene, including the identification and application of improvements to the work area, to ensure that research outputs, diagnostics and other biosecurity services are delivered in a timely manner and meet quality standards.
Contribute to effective communication of outcomes, reporting and budget management of complex scientific projects.
Develop and maintain relationships and collaboration within Agriculture Victoria and with external collaborators and stakeholders.
Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications An appropriate degree in Biological sciences or related fields Experience in a biological science related field and relevant knowledge and experience in plant pathology.
Demonstrated knowledge of the development and application of horticultural procedures for production and maintenance of high health plant material.
Experience in micropropagation is desirable.
Familiarity with working under nursery accreditation and experience working under compliance systems such as biosecurity/quarantine containment is also desirable.
This is a fixed term position available for a period of 3 years.
The work location for this position is Agri Bio, Bundoora with hybrid work arrangements available.
To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.
Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.
Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 10th November 2024.
Other relevant information: For this particular vacancy, priority consideration applies to Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform.
Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check.
To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period.
Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.
A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants.
We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees.
Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.
For further information including the position description, key selection criteria and to apply visit www.careers.vic.gov.au #J-18808-Ljbffr