APS4 Laboratory Support Officer

The Opportunity

We are looking for an APS4 Laboratory Support Officer in Melbourne for an assignment until 30 June 2023.

The role will contribute to operational laboratory management and delivery of specific scientific services.

The duties will include;

• Contribute to the laboratory and equipment maintenance schedule, including cleaning, calibration, servicing and repair.
• Assist with the maintenance of chemical registers and ensuring compliance with storage and other requirements.
• Undertake stocktakes and coordinate purchasing of laboratory and office consumables
• Provide a range of administrative activities and office services that contribute to the efficient and effective operation of the section and supports the delivery of branch objectives.
• Assist with planning, booking and acquitting official travel for the Director and other staff as required.
• Prepare laboratory consumables and reagents, including microbiological culture media and solutions using aseptic technique.
• Document and prepare microbial, animal and plant specimens for identification, as required.
• Enter data and maintain manual and computer-based records with a high level of accuracy and in accordance with laboratory protocols.
• Provide support or conduct diagnostic procedures, including (but not limited to) sampling for serological or molecular assays.
• Provide support in the preparation and maintenance of biosecurity specimen reference collections as required.
• Assist with quality control auditing, verification and inspection, including maintaining quality management systems, as required.
• Contribute to the implementation of systems improvement initiatives
• Contribute to the preparation of documents such as reports, instructional material, forms and document reviews.

The successful candidate will have;

• Laboratory Technician experience, with knowledge in at least one area of microbiology, molecular biology, entomology, plant pathology, botany or other field relevant to biosecurity.
• Experience in administration, with knowledge in procurement, management of resources, official travel, record keeping and reporting.
• Knowledge in government procurement and financial management systems (e.g., TechnologyOne and SAP Concur), is highly desirable.
• Have or be prepared to develop an understanding of quality assurance and quality control and how these apply to the laboratory tasks and associated record keeping.
• Well-developed ability to record data, analyse information and prepare reports and documentation.
• Ability to think laterally, solve problems and implement innovative solutions to improve existing practices under limited supervision.
• Ability to coordinate task allocation and provide timely and quality evidence-based contributions.

To apply, applicants must; 

• Be Australian Citizens with the ability to obtain and maintain a Baseline Security Clearance.
• Have Certification in laboratory management, quality assurance and/or tertiary qualifications in a science discipline or relevant degree and experience in a laboratory is desired.
• Hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle driver’s license.

Click 'Apply Now' to submit your application or call DFP Recruitment on 03 8632 9900.




DFP welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with disability. In addition, DFP will provide reasonable adjustments for individuals with disability throughout the recruitment process. If you identify as a person with disability and require adjustments to the application, recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please advise via adjustments@dfp.com.au or 1300 337 000 and indicate your preferred method of communication (email, phone, text) so we can keep in touch and meet your accessibility needs.

Note: You may be required to provide evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination status.