Job description
Agency Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Work unit Molecular Diagnostics – Biosecurity and
Animal Welfare
Job title Molecular Scientist Designation Professional 1
Job type Full time Duration Ongoing commencing 15/07/2025
Salary $68,904 - $87,700 Location Darwin
Position number 43689 RTF 321551 Closing 11/05/2025
Contact officer Sonu Yadav, Principal Molecular Scientist on 08 8999 2237 or sonu.yadav@nt.gov.au
About the agency https://daf.nt.gov.au/
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=321551

QUALIFICATIONS

Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with
disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss
this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go to the
OCPE website.
Primary objective
In collaboration with the Principal Molecular Scientist, conduct and manage diagnostics and research using traditional and contemporary
molecular approaches to improve the productivity and sustainability of plant industries in the Northern Territory, in line with the
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries strategic plan.
Context statement
The plant health laboratory team is responsible for the delivery of quality assured diagnostic services to support horticulture in the
Northern Territory. By defining the extent and significance of diseases that impact productivity or affect trade the work unit informs
strategies that may be implemented to manage or control these pathogens.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Support the delivery of molecular diagnostics for research projects and routine diagnostics.
2. Perform molecular laboratory work including but not limited to DNA extraction, conventional PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR
product clean-up for sequencing, sequence data analysis and reporting.
3. Support the development of contemporary molecular techniques, validate and troubleshoot new molecular methods to maintain and
improve plant pathology and entomology diagnostic services under direction from Principal Molecular Scientist.
4. Participate in outreach activities and science hands-on workshops to communicate outcomes of research projects and diagnostics
services and improve science uptake.
5. Implement all quality assurance practices as outlined in the Molecular Laboratory manual and document all tests in line with
procedures outlined.
6. Manage the routine laboratory safety inspections, undertake procurement activities, maintain consumable stock levels, and
coordinate with other labs for the shared resources.
7. Comply with relevant Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, codes of practice and policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure
that the work environment is as safe as is practicable.
8. Support emergency disease and pest responses in the Northern Territory.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Bachelor of Science, Applied Science, Biotechnology, Genetics, Molecular Biology or equivalent.
2. Demonstrated experience in molecular diagnostics of plant pests and pathogens or equivalent.
3. Demonstrated experience in molecular techniques including but not limited to DNA extraction, PCR, DNA sequencing, sequence data
analysis, and reporting.
4. Demonstrated understanding and experience in science communication and designing hands-on science workshops.
5. Knowledge of research project development, management and report writing.
6. Proven ability to work with others, including staff from diverse cultures, as an integral member of a team or collaborator
7. Demonstrated working knowledge of quality assurance requirements and WHS Standards in a Physical and Biosecurity Containment
level 2 (PC2 and BC2) laboratory environment.
Desirable
1. Experience working in a molecular diagnostics laboratory to be able to work autonomously and support research programs.
2. Familiarisation with endemic and exotic diseases of Northern Australia to aid in the detection of potential new introduction of plant
pests and diseases

Please refer the Job description for details