Biorisk Support Officer

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

The opportunity

• As part of the Biorisk Management Group provide support to regulatory compliance, biosafety implementation, efficacy of inactivation studies and biocontainment microbiology at ACDP
• Utilise your knowledge of the various biorisk and safety regulations and standards required by key government regulators under which ACDP operates and participate in auditing and inspection activities for the Facility
• Join the team at CSIROs Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, contribute to vital scientific research into exotic and emerging infectious diseases 

The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), is one of the world’s largest microbiologically secure facilities. Owned and operated by CSIRO on behalf of the nation, ACDP helps to protect Australia’s livestock and aquatic industries, as well as its people. Providing access to ACDP’s world-class research infrastructure and high-quality capability contributes to solutions which address many national and global challenges.

ACDP is seeking an individual with suitable scientific and regulatory experience to join our Biorisk Management Group (BMG), which plays a critical role in ensuring biocontainment and maintaining high safety standards in a highly regulated environment. The successful candidate will have a relevant biological science background and support various BMG functions, including regulatory compliance, biosafety implementation, inactivation studies, and biocontainment microbiology. Experience in high and maximum containment facilities (PC3 and PC4) will be highly valued.

This role involves laboratory-based research, regulatory compliance, and oversight. The applicant will work with diverse pathogens and contribute to research on decontamination methods and inactivation efficacy. Additional responsibilities include supporting external audit preparation, permit applications, and project submissions. The role also includes supervising external personnel and contributing to biorisk management training programs. Applicants should be familiar with government regulations and safety standards in biosafety environments and be adaptable to support team members during peak demand or leave periods.

Your duties will include:

• Undertake biorisk focussed research activities including inactivation qualification, disinfectant efficacy, surface agent survivability. These activities will require work with various Risk Groups 2, 3 and 4 animal and human pathogens at Physical Containment level 3 (PC3) and potentially PC4. 
• Maintain and contribute to ACDPs register of validated inactivation methods. 
• Assist in manuscript preparation for publication on inactivation, decontamination, and disinfectant studies, and present findings at national and international conferences.
• Develop innovative experimental methods, equipment, software, or concepts to support ongoing research.
• Supervise and train less experienced staff and affiliates at PC3 and PC4 levels.
• Support the Biorisk Management Officer in compliance activities, including facility audits, import permit applications, biological material transfer approvals, and IBC submissions. 
• Apply knowledge of relevant regulations (OGTR, DAFF, SSBA, DEC), Australian standards and internal policies to engage effectively with facility users and ensure compliance.
• Assist in preparation, coordination and facilitation of biorisk management training.
• Provide guidance on biosecurity, biosafety, and regulated materials, ensuring clear communication and high client satisfaction, within the group, CSIRO, and with external clients.

Location:  Geelong, Victoria
Salary:  AU$93k – AU$109k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:  Specified term until 23rd June 2026
Reference:  98652

To be considered you will need:

Essential

• Relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience in Biological Sciences.
• Demonstrated experience in Virology and Tissue Culture with a solid understanding of Risk Grouping of microorganisms and the risk control measures employed for safe working.
• Proficient awareness and knowledge of Australian standards for microbiological laboratories, regulations for work with Goods Subject to Biosecurity Control and guidelines relating to dealings with Genetically Modified Organisms and standards for handling Security Sensitive Biological Agents.
• Proven skills in experimental design, data collection, analysis, communication and presentation of research data. 
• Confidence to exert influence in support of the biological security and safety culture at ACDP.

Desirable

• Experience in biosafety and biocontainment implementation and/or decontamination, inactivation and disinfectant studies.
• Experience working in PC3 & PC4 facilities will be highly valued.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens only. The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the NV1 level as well as complete specific medical and psychological assessments relevant to working at ACDP as detailed in the position description. You will also be required to meet a number of specific requirements in order to work at the ACDP facility as detailed in the position description.

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

26th January 2025, 11:00pm AEST/AEDT