Laboratory Scientist
Specified Calling Level 3 (SCL3) | Fixed Term 24 months – Full Time with the possibility of extension and/or permanency
- This is an exciting opportunity to join the veterinary biochemistry and toxicology laboratory within DPIRD
- Join the WA public sector and experience all the perks of work-life balance and flexible work arrangements that it has to offer
- Work amongst a diverse team of laboratory technicians and scientists and apply industry best practise protocols and processes to ensure quality outcomes
- Support market access for Western Australia’s agricultural sector
- Opportunity to build your research skills and techniques
- Build your network and liaise with key stakeholders in the Department
What will your typical day look like?
As a SCL3 scientist you will be working in a veterinary biochemistry and toxicology laboratory (BTL) that uses a range of technologies, including high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), mass spectrometry, automated clinical chemistry and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). BTL provides both routine clinical diagnostic and toxicology services and specialised research testing services.
You will be working directly with, and be mentored by our highly experienced senior Biochemist during their transition to retirement, with your role evolving to enable you to become an expert in veterinary biochemistry and toxicology. You will be working within an excellent team of highly skilled scientists and technicians. The opportunity will evolve to become the innovative science leader of the BTL.
This is an exciting and rewarding role for a self-driven and team focussed scientist willing to take the initiative in their work, and who enjoys challenges. You will be expected to grow BTL services to support emerging agricultural industries, such as aquaculture, and to assist the Department in dealing with complex issues such as welfare and food safety. You will work closely with agricultural researchers in developing assays required for their projects, making sure that assays produce reliable results through method validation.
Other duties will include;
- Applying advanced procedures and techniques, both routine and complex, in the analysis of samples and the introduction of new methods.
- Providing expert and specialist consultancy to both internal and external clients.
- Providing scientific leadership to allow best practice standards.
Enough about us, let’s talk about you.
- This is a fantastic opportunity to thrive in a developing and changing department and will suit a process driven individual who is self-motivated, enjoy challenges and providing leadership, such as technical problem solving, expanding our laboratory services into new areas, and providing scientific consultancy to Department stakeholders and external clients,
- We are looking for proactive Biochemist with relevant experience and qualifications, who will be capable of working effectively as part of a laboratory team and have great interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with external clients and Department stakeholders,
- To be successful in this role you will be capable of rapid learning and self-development and have the capacity to comprehend complex scientific information and data and using that understanding for solving problems and developing opportunities for growth.
- The ideal candidate will have great written and verbal communication skills and have an “entrepreneur” mindset.
For all essential criteria and further key responsibilities please see the attached JDF.
Why DPIRD?
At DPIRD we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is 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.
Get ready to apply. It’s simple.
Click the Apply if this is something that excites you! All we need is:
- A resume of no more than three (3) pages 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 the following Essential Work-Related Requirements.
Please note: While experience working in a animal/plant disease related field is desirable, we are seeking skilled Laboratory Scientists with the relevant skills and attributes as described above to join our team.
- Work Related Requirement 1 - Role Specific: Demonstrated knowledge and experience investigating disease/ pests/ harmful residues in animal/plant specimens by visual examinations; selecting appropriate diagnostic laboratory testing protocols; and interpreting and applying laboratory data in disease diagnosis, pest identification or food safety.
- Work Related Requirement 3 - Build effective relationships: Strong Verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to confidently liaise, collaborate with and communicate scientific information to departmental staff, industry and the community.
- Work Related Requirement 4 - Challenge for innovation: Well developed abilities to establish clear plans and timeframes, evaluate performance, identify the need for change, determine action and see tasks and projects through to completion.
- Work Related Requirement 5 - Think strategically: Well-developed research, conceptual and analytical skills including the ability to provide innovative solutions to complex and challenging issues and problems.
It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information. Please note that all of the Work-Related Requirements will be assessed at some stage during the selection process.
Need further information?
We’d love to hear from you!
To have a confidential discussion, Gerard Smith, Senior Laboratory Scientist, on 9368 3366 (during business hours).
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 commencement at applicant’s expense.
Special Requirements for this position:
- A degree in Agriculural Science or Science (Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Animal or Plany Pathology, Entomology, or a relevant field) recognised in Australia.
- Occasional travel to and from metropolitan and regional offices may be required.
- The contract of employment specifies terms and conditions relating to this position.
This process may be used to fill other similar vacancies and in other regional locations throughout the department. 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 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. Applicants will be advised of this where necessary.
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)
CLOSING DATE: Wednesday, 31st August 2022 at 4:00 PM WST
