The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) leads the sustainable development of Western Australia’s regions and agriculture, aquaculture, food and fisheries sectors. In everything we do, we take an approach to protect, grow and innovate WA’s economy, community and environment. To learn more about our department, our team and the work we do, please visit our website.

About the opportunity

There is currently one (1) fixed term – full time position (12 months) with the possibility of extension and/or permanency available for immediate filling. 

As a Senior Laboratory Scientist in our Histology laboratory, you will oversee and perform specialised preparation of terrestrial and aquatic animal tissues for histopathological examination in support of animal disease investigations. You will deliver diagnostic services for DPIRD Biosecurity, contributing to Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) exclusion, surveillance, incident management, and response activities.

The role involves initiating and conducting laboratory examinations using appropriate protocols and assays, managing specimen submissions, interpreting and integrating laboratory findings, and preparing comprehensive reports for internal stakeholders. Working closely with DDLS Veterinary Pathologists and other DDLS staff, you will play a key role in providing accurate and timely diagnostic information to support animal health, welfare and biosecurity outcomes. You will be responsible for managing laboratory staff, co-ordinating laboratory activities, maintaining laboratory quality standards, equipment and records, and working to advance the DPIRD’s Diagnostics and Laboratory Services quality system.

We are looking for individuals with:   

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in processing tissue samples (including fixation, cutting-in, paraffin embedding, microtomy sectioning, staining, mounting and digital scanning).
• Experience in the provision of special histochemical staining processes and techniques such as immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH) and electron microscopy.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to confidently liaise, collaborate with and communicate scientific information to departmental staff.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a small team of laboratory scientists in providing high quality outputs while ensuring safety in the workplace and maintaining quality systems.  
• Well developed research, conceptual and analytical skills enabling test development and implementation.

Please note that a degree in Agricultural Science or Science (Laboratory Science,  Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a relevant field) recognised in Australia is essential for this role.

For further information and special requirements for this role please see attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Equity and Diversity

At DPIRD we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and are an equal opportunity employer. We value and strongly encourage people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, women and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for positions within our agency.

How to Apply

Click the Apply button and attach the following to your application:

• A comprehensive CV that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements including details of two (2) referees.
• A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages in length demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to this opportunity

It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information. Please note you do not have to address the work-related requirements at this stage. All Work-Related Requirements will be assessed at some stage during the selection process.

Need further information?

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Dr Shane Besier, Principal Veterinary Pathologist on +61 491 218 972 during office hours.

If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 in the first instance. For further information about the recruitment process please contact our Employment team on (08) 6552 1943.

Employment Conditions and Additional Information

DPIRD is an Emergency Management Agency and all employees may be required to work or travel during, or outside of, normal business hours to assist with incidents and emergencies.

Am I eligible to apply?

To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term or a casual appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period as part of your application.

You will be required to provide a current National Police Certificate (police clearance) before commencing employment. If not currently held, this must be acquired prior to appointment at applicant’s expense. 

This process may be used to fill other same/similar fixed term, permanent, vacancies that arise in DPIRD at locations listed in this advert. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position, the panel may select another suitable applicant from this selection process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the approval of the initial recruitment decision.

The recruitment process may include online written assessments, psychometric, cognitive or other testing, job-related tasks, video or live stream interviews, documentation and reference checks or other assessment methodologies as required. We reserve the right to supplement the field of applicants via an executive search if required.

Please ensure you have plenty of time to submit your application to allow for unanticipated problems, as late and proforma applications will not be accepted. (Please note: Online lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted).