Proficiency Testing Technician
Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Geelong, Australia
Job posting number: #7112658 (Ref:cj_89990)
Posted: October 6, 2022
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Job Description
Acknowledgement of Country
CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation
The Opportunity
The Diagnosis Surveillance and Response Program at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) provides diagnostics and research capability required to investigate and respond to newly emerging diseases affecting livestock and other animals. The proficiency testing team provide a range of programs for assessing the competence of veterinary diagnostic laboratories and provide reagents to support quality assurance in testing laboratories.
- Supportive, rewarding, inclusive and truly flexible environment.
- Fantastic team environment
- Join CSIRO - Australia's National Science and Innovation Agency!
In your role as the Proficiency Testing Technician, you will contribute to the preparation of samples for veterinary diagnostics, implementation of PT programs, analysis and reporting of proficiency testing results, for both national and international proficiency testing schemes. This role will also see you involved in the production and provision of biological specimens to external laboratories, including those overseas. This can include diagnostic samples, test kits, or virus specimens.
The appointee must be able to meet ACDP’s microbiological security and security assessment requirements and may be required to work in the biologically secure laboratories at physical containment level 3.
Your duties will include:
- Under the guidance of team and project leaders, organise, prepare and dispatch proficiency testing samples, reagents and reference material for serology and molecular diagnostic testing in a timely fashion.
- Operate under and help maintain the laboratory’s quality assurance and accreditation.
- Work independently in a laboratory environment assisting with sample preparation and QA testing.
- Assist in the analyses of proficiency testing results and writing of reports for participating laboratories, helping to maintain and enhance the laboratory’s delivery of service to customers.
- Prioritise high volumes of work and competing priorities to ensure customer requirements are met in a timely manner.
- Abide by and promote ACDP Biorisk Management regulations and conduct work consistent with CSIRO’s Code of Conduct, Health, Safety and Environment plans and policies, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.
Location: Geelong, Victoria
Salary: AU$66k - AU$84k per annum, plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 12 months
Reference: 89990
To be considered you will need:
Essential:
- A tertiary degree in Biological Science and/or equivalent experience in laboratory diagnostic testing.
- Experience conducting and coordinating sample preparation or relevant laboratory-based work, with a demonstrated ability to plan and schedule laboratory work-flow.
- Demonstrated ability to address underlying issues of complex and ill-defined problems in a timely and technically sound manner.
- Previous experience working both independently and co-operatively as a member of a larger project team, and ability to form and maintain effective and respectful relationships with a range of colleagues and collaborators.
Desirable:
- A record of technical competence and achievement in laboratory diagnostic testing requiring skills and an understanding of molecular (PCR) and serology (ELISA, HI) and virology.
- Working experience with a Laboratory Information Management System data entry and reporting activities at an ISO 17025 or ISO 17043 level.
For full details about this role please review the Position Description
Eligibility
Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.
To enter a CSIRO site, CSIRO will require you to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (or show a valid medical exemption from vaccination). If you are unable to meet this requirement, then you must return a negative result on a Rapid Antigen Test (within 48 hours prior to attending site) and wear a face mask whilst on the CSIRO site. These requirements apply if you are attending a CSIRO site as part of a recruitment process.
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.
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
6th November 2022, 11:00pm AEST
We’re working hard to build a safe and welcoming culture where people can bring their whole selves to work. Valuing and enabling difference empowers our people, unlocking their potential to innovate and shape the future for our customers, all Australians and the world. We do the extraordinary every day. We innovate for tomorrow and help improve today. We're the people that stay awake solving the world’s big questions. This is true of our science and of our people. Our mission is to create benefit for Australia through impactful science and innovation but we know that that's not possible without an inclusive and diverse culture. We're working hard to recruit diverse people and ensure all our people feel supported to do their best work and empowered to let their ideas flourish.