Molecular Diagnostics Technician

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. 

Role highlights

• ​​​​​​Perform cutting-edge molecular diagnostics using advanced PCR & DNA sequencing methodologies
• Contribute to the development & validation of new molecular diagnostic assays and participate in impactful research projects
• Key on-going role within the Molecular Diagnostics team in ACDP’s Diagnostics, Surveillance & Response Program

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge. Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

The opportunity 

We are seeking a dedicated Molecular Diagnostics Technician to join the Diagnostics, Surveillance & Response Program (DSR Program) at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP)!

Joining our dynamic ‘Molecular Diagnostics’ team, you will work within their microbiologically secured laboratory, performing routine molecular diagnostic tests using PCR and DNA sequencing methodologies under NATA/ISO 17025 accreditation. You will also contribute to the development and validation of PCR-based molecular diagnostic assays, updating laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and undertaking 'on-call' or after-hours diagnostic duties as required. This position is crucial in providing diagnostic and research capabilities to investigate and respond to high-impact and emerging diseases affecting livestock and other animals, including zoonotic agents. Therefore, you will also have the opportunity to participate in research projects and other activities within the broader DSR Program.

This ongoing role would be an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of disease preparedness and response, contributing to vital research and diagnostic activities that protect animal and public health!

Please note that, due to the nature of the role, you will be required to meet ACDP’s microbiological security and any other additional security assessment requirements, as well as be appropriately vaccinated.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Working within BSL3 laboratories to perform day-to-day routine molecular diagnostic PCR assays and ‘on-call’ duties under ISO 17025 accreditation for routine and emergency disease investigation, for commercial clients, and for Reference Laboratory activities.
• Performing development and validation of PCR-based molecular diagnostic assays, contributing to the development and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and to applications for NATA accreditation.
• Supporting the efficient functioning of the Molecular Diagnostics Team and the Diagnostics, Surveillance & Response (DSR) program in achieving annual performance goals and other objectives, as directed by line management.
• Engaging in various research and technical activities within the Molecular Diagnostics Team, while also contributing to laboratory housekeeping and maintenance tasks.
• Supporting Quality Assurance (QA) activities by reporting and authorising tests, maintaining accurate and up-to-date test records, and participating in proficiency testing.
• Other duties as directed.

Role particulars

Location:  Geelong, VIC - Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP).

Salary: AU$76K – AU$96K per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule: Specified term until 30 June 2027; Full-time 

Reference: 102258

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent relevant work experience in Biological Science, or a related discipline.
• Experience in conducting and coordinating laboratory-based diagnostic tests, preferably within a quality management system (e.g. ISO 17025) in a diagnostic laboratory, with the ability to address complex and undefined problems in a timely and technically sound manner.
• Demonstrated expertise in conventional and real-time PCR techniques.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document results clearly and collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients from diverse cultural backgrounds to achieve project goals and timelines.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary project team, fostering respectful and effective relationships with colleagues and collaborators.

Desirable

• Experience using LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System).
• Experience supporting the development and validation of molecular diagnostic assays.
• Knowledge and experience in DNA sequencing and sequence analysis.

For full details about this role, please review the Position Description. 

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

Setting You Up for Success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact Talent Consultant and let us know how we can support you.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO. 

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise that true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Eligibility 

Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens only. Appointment to this role is subject to the provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Child safety 

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

How to apply 

Please apply online and provide a CV and a detailed cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role. Please attach your selection criteria responses to your cover letter as one document. 

Applications close 

8 February 2026, 11:00 pm AEDT

We strongly encourage you to apply early, as we will review applications as they come in. CSIRO reserves the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date, if required.