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The opportunity

• ​​​​​​Undertake test development and evaluation activity using classical virology techniques and provide lab support
• Use technical skills to coordinate, test and report, using a laboratory information management system
• Work in the unique environment of the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness and make a real difference

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CSIRO’s ACDP (formerly known as the Australian Animal Health Laboratory) helps protect Australia’s multi-billion-dollar livestock and aquaculture industries, and the general public, from emerging infectious disease threats. It is a high-containment facility designed to allow scientific research into the most dangerous infectious agents in the world.

As an experienced Laboratory Diagnostic Virologist you will join the Mammalian Diagnostic Virology team at ACDP. This is a core diagnostic team of the Diagnosis, Surveillance and Response (DSR) program that provides diagnostic and research capability to investigate and respond to newly emerging diseases affecting livestock and other animals. You will work in the biologically secure laboratories at physical containment Levels 3 and 4 and will be responsible for the delivery of outputs across a range of quality assured laboratory diagnostic services, including testing for disease investigations and disease surveillance, and health certification testing for exotic and endemic infectious diseases of veterinary significance. A component of this role may also involve contributing to innocuity testing work (the testing of imported vaccines and cell seeds to confirm they are not contaminated with other viruses). This role also involves undertaking test development and evaluation activities, as required, as well as general laboratory housekeeping activities. 

It is a requirement of this position that the appointee (after a period of training) join an on call afterhours and weekend roster to support urgent diagnostic testing for emergency animal diseases. Level 4 laboratory work may also be required, following a period of training. The appointee must be able to meet ACDP’s microbiological security and security assessment requirements.

Your duties will include:

• Working in a microbiologically secure laboratory and delivering quality assured diagnostic testing services (NATA/ISO 17025) for a broad range of viral pathogens, as well as the exclusion of emergency animal diseases, routine surveillance and biological sample testing.
• Contributing to quality assurance requirements, including reporting and authorising tests, maintaining up-to-date and accurate test records, and proficiency testing.
• Under technical direction of the team leader and senior scientists, working with discretion to decide on the timing of operations within the workplan and daily operations of the team, and planning ahead to meet diagnostic testing demands.
• Collaborating with the team leader, team members and duty veterinarians to coordinate diagnostic testing.
• Assisting the Mammalian Diagnostic Virology Team Leader, Technical Managers and Veterinary Investigation Team by providing oral and written advice upon request.
• Undertaking test development, evaluation and validation work under the technical direction of the team leader.
• Providing general laboratory support for housekeeping and maintenance activities.

Location: Geelong – Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), VIC

Salary: AU$93k - AU$105k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term until 22 July 2026 / Full-time

Reference: 97628

To be considered you will need:

Essential

• A Bachelor of Science degree with honours, or equivalent relevant work experience in Biological Sciences or a related discipline.
• Experience conducting and coordinating laboratory‐based experiments or tests, with a demonstrated ability to plan and schedule laboratory work.
• Demonstrated ability to address underlying issues of complex and ill-defined problems in a timely and technically sound manner.
• Experience working both independently and co-operatively as a member of a larger project team, with a demonstrated ability to form and maintain effective and respectful relationships with a range of colleagues and collaborators.
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document results and communicate effectively with colleagues and other stakeholders.

Desirable

• Experience working in a diagnostic lab conducting and coordinating laboratory‐based diagnostic tests, including experience using a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) within a quality management system (e.g. ISO17025).
• Experience working with infectious viruses in a PC3 laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated experience in virus culture and/or antigen detection techniques.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens only. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

20 August 2024, 11:00pm AEST

We strongly encourage you to apply early as we will be reviewing applications as they come through. CSIRO reserves the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date, if required.