Technical Officer - Arbovirology

The Technical Officer – Arbovirology will provide scientific, technical, and operational support to Agriculture Science and Technology’s research and surveillance portfolio. This role will undertake activities to underpin Victoria’s agricultural biosecurity, agricultural productivity and public health. This role will support DEECA’s biosecurity obligations under the MOU with the Biosecurity Branch to diagnose and respond to outbreaks of animal and zoonotic diseases and several research, and surveillance projects, funded through the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Victorian Department of Health and South Australian Health. The research and surveillance projects are responsible for screening mosquitoes for pathogens of public health significance and supporting molecular capabilities to diagnose a range of veterinary diseases. The position will work in the Microbiology clade, within the Biosecurity, Sciences, Pests and Diseases Unit, Agriculture Science and Technology and will be based at AgriBio, The Centre of Agribioscience, Bundoora. This position will report directly to the Senior Research Scientist - Virology, in the animal virology group, within Biosecurity, Sciences, Pests and Diseases.

The Technical Officer will require strong theoretical technical knowledge and laboratory experience and organisational skills, particularly arbovirology and veterinary virology. The position will apply this knowledge and experience across the Microbiology group and be responsible for conducting routine mosquito morphological identification and diagnostic testing using a range of molecular-based diagnostic testing methods. In addition, this position will contribute to science projects and laboratory test development, while participating in the general operational activities to support our quality management system and regulatory accreditation. Many of the duties will be repetitive and will require independent work.

A good aptitude for working in a fast-paced, diagnostics laboratory will be required for this position.

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

• A tertiary qualification in Applied Science or equivalent qualification or experience or at least three years relevant experience in a molecular, entomology or microbial diagnostic laboratory.
• Technically proficient in high throughput morphological identification of Australian mosquitoes species
• Proven ability to independently verify and apply molecular-based testing including conventional gel-electrophoresis based PCR, real-time quantitative PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the detection of veterinary pathogens, including those that are mosquito borne.
• Knowledge and experience working within a veterinary diagnostic laboratory that operates under a quality management system, such as good laboratory practices or accredited by NATA, animal/human ethics committees or biosecurity/ quarantine material (i.e. OGTR or Department of Agriculture)
• Proven ability to accurately and efficiently, collate, and manage experimental data using a range of software applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a project team, be responsible for areas of work, communicate effectively with others, show initiative, demonstrate organisational skills and operate under minimal supervision.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 12 months. The work location for this position is AgriBio, Bundoora 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.