The Senior Technical Officer - Microbiology will provide scientific, technical, and operational support to Agriculture Victoria Research's (AVR) research activities for the ‘Best practice sampling and virus detection in Australian grapevine propagation assets' project, which is co-funded by AVR and Wine Australia. This position will also provide scientific, technical, and operational support for the general operational and diagnostic activities within Agriculture Victoria's Crop Health Services, which underpins Victoria's agricultural biosecurity and productivity and supports DEECA's biosecurity obligations. This position will report directly to the Research Leader - Microbiology within Microbial Sciences, Pests and Diseases (MSPD) Unit of AVR and will be based at AgriBio, Bundoora.

The position requires excellent organisational and communication skills. It also requires excellent technical laboratory and data analysis skills and a strong capability in the application of techniques used for plant virology and/or bacteriology diagnostics. Familiarity with laboratory quality assurance systems such as NATA will be highly regarded. The position will involve travel to undertake field work within Victoria and interstate and will require independent work.

The successful applicant will work effectively as a member of a team, enjoy flexible working arrangements and undertake a wide variety of work across the division.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An appropriate degree in biological sciences or related fields or equivalent expertise

This is a fixed term position available until 31 October 2027. The work location for this position is AgriBio, Bundoora.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information please refer to the attached position description.

Applications close at midnight on Thursday, 29 May 2025.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.