Virologist – Biological Defence Group

• Contribute to DSTG’s cutting-edge Biological Agent Detection team
• We Encourage Post Docs & PhD Graduates to Apply
• You MUST be an Australian Citizen willing to Obtain AGSVA Clearance

THE CLIENT

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

Home to some of the best science and technology facilities in the world, DSTG boast state-of-the-art laboratories and research centres. Additionally, their facilities provide on-site parking, a cafeteria and lunch rooms.

THE ROLE

We encourage Post Docs, and PhD Grads to apply for this fantastic opportunity!

The Biological Defence Group within Sensors and Effectors Division of Defence Science and Technology Group require a contractor with relevant experience to undertake work within their Biological Agent Detection team. The team is contributing to a collaborative project developing a rapid point-of-care diagnostic test targeting specifically identified pathogens. The assays developed will be tested and evaluated at DST using viral material prepared at DST.

This contract is for a duration of 16 months for candidates who hold NV1 clearance, scheduled to commence in February, and approximately 13 months for candidates who apply for the clearance process, until June, 2027.

The person in this role will:

• Grow and maintain cell lines
• Propagate and harvest arboviruses (PC2 and PC3), perform molecular techniques such as RNA extractions, quantification (e.g., qPCR, TCID50, plaque assays), and virus sequencing
• Test and evaluate point-of-care diagnostic and detection assays
• Develop and execute bioinformatic workflows, including Linux-based analysis and command-line pipelines, to support microbial genomics investigations
• Contribute to report writing as required
• Communicate and collaborate with external stakeholders
• Demonstrate excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to work independently or in a small team under general direction

DSTG operates under a strong Work Health and Safety (WHS) culture, and the person in this role must demonstrate the ability to work safely at all times.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

To be considered, candidates must:

• Be an Australian citizen
• Hold a Bachelor or postgraduate degree in Virology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a related field (postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to apply)
• Have experience in handling viruses, particularly arthropod-transmitted viruses (arboviruses) at PC2 level
• Demonstrated experience in Molecular Biology techniques, including qPCR and isothermal assays
• Competency in Serological Techniques, including TCID50 or virus neutralisation
• Experience handling varied sample types, such as human clinical and infected mosquito samples
• Experience in Bioinformatic Analysis, including Linux OS and command-line pipelines for microbial genomics (desirable)
• Preferred experience in a diagnostic/NATA-accredited laboratory and/or a PC3 laboratory
• Willingness to obtain AGSVA NV1 security clearance

APPLICATIONS

Thanks for your interest in this opportunity being advertised by CS Executive Group. Whilst this contract position is still being advertised via SEEK, as we can consider applications we receive after our submission deadline, we have already presented pre-screened candidates’ resumes to DSTG.

To have a confidential discussion about this opportunity or other opportunities, please contact Jo on ************ or email **********************

THANK YOU

We would like to thank you for taking the time to apply for this role. Unfortunately, due to the large volume of candidates we receive on a daily basis, we can only contact those with suitable qualifications and experience.  Please note, however, you are welcome to call our Recruiters to discuss your application. If unsuccessful, your resume will remain on our database and will be considered for future suitable roles.

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