Molecular Biologist – Department of Defence

Molecular Biologist – Department of Defence (The position has been filled)

• Suitable for a Recent Graduate with Molecular Biology Experience
• Provide Support in Detection of Biological Agents
• Rare Opportunity to Work with Australia’s top Scientists

 

THE CLIENT

The Defence Science and Technology Group is part of the Australian Department of Defence dedicated to providing science and technology support for Australia’s defence and national security needs. DST Group is a national leader in safeguarding Australia by delivering valued scientific advice and innovative solutions for Defence and national security.

 

THE ROLE

DSTG requires a Molecular Biologist to contribute by providing support to Genomics Team, a part of the Assessment and Characterisation of Biological Agents Group which is located at DST Group’s Fishermans Bend site in Melbourne. The Team conducts research and provides advice to the Australian Defence Force regarding the evaluation of diagnostic assays for plant/s toxins.

In addition to the plant toxin research program, the Group has a number of interactive collaborations with national and international partners. These programs will continue to improve the current reference sequence for the plants in question in order to develop methods, including bioinformatics pipelines that will enable the Group to use DNA signatures to identify the geographical seed sources of the plant.

With a view to start in February 2021, this is a full-time contract role that is initially until 29th August 2021. Under the terms of the contract with DST Group, there is the possibility for an extension of up to 12 months, which could see the successful candidate providing the support until 29th August 2022. A successful candidate will have two options to choose from in terms of employment – a fixed-term tenure or on-hire basis employment which carries a loading. Please call to get more details.

Some of the tasks associated with this role include, but are not limited to:

• Design, validate the LAMP-based detection assay for the plant toxin
• Undertake growth, sample collection, nucleic acid extraction of relevant seed samples
• Use of nucleic acid from the plant in testing laboratory LAMP assay
• Receipt of commercially produced Platform, APP and assay from Geneworks
• Evaluation of platform/assay using DNA  in combination with known PCR inhibitors
• Assist other team members to perform gDNA extractions,
• Write complete reports and record data

 

SELECTION CRITERIA

To be considered for this opportunity you MUST BE AN AUSTRALIAN CITIZEN and also be prepared to undergo AGSVA screening to obtain your Baseline Security Clearance.

Additionally, shortlisted candidates will have ensured they address the following selection criteria:

• Honours or Masters in the relevant research field or relevant research experience
• Aseptic tissue culture techniques and experience in PC2 accredited laboratories
• Experience in nucleic acid extractions (DNA and RNA)
• Range of molecular biology techniques, such as PCR amplification and DNA sequencing
• Demonstrated experience in Bioinformatics programs would be an advantage
• Demonstrated experience in writing scientific reports
• High communication skills and proven track record of working in a team
• Previous experience with long read assembly and QC tools for bacterial genome analysis
• Knowledge of hybrid assembly of bacterial genomes using both long and short-read sequencing data
• Proven report writing skills
• Ability to troubleshoot sequencing data
• Excellent planning and organisational skills with an ability to work independently or as part of a small team under general direction
• MUST be Willing to Undergo Negative Vetting Security Clearance.

Tailored selection criteria, which shall require a formal written response, will only be sent to those applicants whose applications have been deemed suitable for undergoing consideration for shortlisting to attend an initial interview.

 

APPLICATIONS

For a confidential discussion about this exciting opportunity to work as part of a team at DST Group, please contact Jo on 0411 197 171. For after-hours enquiries, simply send an SMS.

To apply for this role, please click the ‘Apply Now‘ button then send your current resume and a covering letter to CS Executive Group.

 

THANK YOU

CS Executive Group would like to thank you in advance for your time spent applying for this role.

Unfortunately, due to the large volume of resumes submitted to us on a daily basis, we are unable to acknowledge each application we receive. Only individuals receiving further consideration for their suitability for shortlisting as candidates will be contacted by our recruitment team.

Accordingly, if you are unsuccessful on this occasion, please note your resume will remain on file within our Talent Pool database—thus you may be contacted for other roles in the future.