Senior Veterinary Pathologist

This position of Senior Veterinary Pathologist provides scientific leadership and training to staff in this department and in other parts of Agriculture Victoria.  The incumbent will play a key role in advising the Chief Veterinary Officer and Manager Animal health and welfare on veterinary disease diagnostics, research and policy priorities.

As an expert in animal disease diagnosis and research in Victoria, the incumbent will be recognised as a leading scientist and veterinary diagnostician nationally.  The role will provide authoritative advice to all DEECA project activities involving veterinary pathology expertise and will form collaborative networks with other institutions. The position will manage scientific staff within the histopathology laboratory. In addition to providing expert advice and leadership to others, the incumbent will develop his/her own research projects in a specific field of expertise and seek project funding for this activity from state and federal government, rural industry research corporations and animal health companies. AVR’s reputation as a leading R&D organisation will be enhanced by the journal publications and reports produced by the incumbent and from frequent presentations of new information at national and international scientific meetings.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Appropriate degree in veterinary science, enabling registration with the Veterinary Board of Victoria.  Post-graduate training in Veterinary Pathology and at least 10 years practical experience as a Veterinary Pathologist, preferably with an internationally recognised accreditation in anatomic pathology.
• Substantial wide-ranging knowledge and a significant documented record of achievements in veterinary diagnostic pathology of livestock, wildlife mammals, birds and fish, including extensive experience in a veterinary laboratory.
• Extensive knowledge and demonstrated practical experience and expertise in histopathology and its application in diagnosis of diseases particularly in livestock production systems typically found in temperate Australian conditions.
• Extensive knowledge and demonstrable experience in use of virology, immunology, bacteriology and clinical pathology to support disease investigation and diagnosis.
• Awareness of current world animal health issues, emerging diseases and their impacts on Australia. Demonstrated experience in responses against emergency animal diseases and other emergencies such as bushfire recovery.
• Demonstrated experience in the development and delivery of professional training courses for animal health professionals.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, staff and representatives of collaborating scientific organisations using both verbal and written methods.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria (must have a significant presence AgriBio Laboratory) with hybrid work arrangements available.

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.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.

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Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 24 June 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History 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. For more information visit applying for a role with us.