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Senior Scientist (Plant Pathology - Genomics)


Laboratory and Diagnostic Services; Plant Biosecurity and Product Integrity; Biosecurity Queensland; Dutton Park

Bring legacy to life. For the future of Queensland and the world.

Join our innovative Plant Pathology team as a Senior Scientist & play a key role in safeguarding Queensland’s agriculture & environment. Use your advanced skills in high-throughput sequencing & bioinformatics to design & implement cutting-edge diagnostic workflows for plant pathogens, pests, & pest/pathogen complexes.

Just imagine what you could achieve with us. #DPIcareers

Job details

Position status Permanent
Position type Full-time
Occupational group Primary Industry & Environment
Classification PO4
Workplace Location Brisbane - South
Job ad reference QLD/684666/26
Closing date 22-Apr-2026
Job duration
Contact person Juliane Henderson
Contact details Ph: 0481 918 740
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Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) plays a leadership role in the biosecurity system in collaboration with its stakeholders. BQ leads the Queensland Government's efforts to protect our way of life, environment, biodiversity, human and animal health, industries and economy from plant and animal pest and disease threats.
Through supporting the collective efforts of our stakeholders and all Queenslanders, BQ will continue to protect our state and Australia from emerging plant and animal pests and diseases and effectively manage existing ones.

Plant Biosecurity and Product Integrity (PBPI) - The PBPI Program has an integral role in delivering BQ's vision of leading the delivery of innovative, customer focused biosecurity services for Queensland. The Program's goal is to protect Queensland's agricultural industries, environment and communities from plant pests and diseases, and facilitate trade in high quality, safe agricultural products.

As a Senior Scientist (Plant Pathology - Genomics) with Biosecurity Queensland, you will play a vital role in protecting Queensland's agricultural industries and ensuring the integrity of our plant biosecurity systems. Your work will directly contribute to safeguarding crops and enabling the trade of safe, high-quality agricultural products. Based at the Ecosciences Precinct in Dutton Park, you'll have access to top-tier facilities and resources to support your work. Using your expertise in high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics, you'll develop innovative diagnostic tools to identify plant pathogens, pests, and other biosecurity challenges. You'll also work closely with stakeholders, offering expert advice to tackle emerging risks and shape strategies that safeguard Queensland's agricultural future. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact while growing your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

As a Senior Scientist, you will:
• Develop and implement high-throughput sequencing (HTS)-based diagnostic workflows for detecting plant pathogens, pests, and pest/pathogen complexes using advanced platforms such as MinION and Illumina.
• Provide expert analysis and strategic advice to internal and external stakeholders to address biosecurity risks, manage emerging threats, and contribute to strategic planning and decision-making.
• Undertake a variety of plant pathology diagnostics as part of a team.

To be successful in this role, you must possess:
• An Australian Bachelor degree (AQF level 7 or equivalent) or higher in Science or a related field from a recognised tertiary institution. For international qualifications, an assessment of comparability with the Australian Qualifications Framework is required.
• Knowledge, skills and experience in high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics.

You will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to review and interpret scientific literature to inform decision-making. More than anything, you will have a positive attitude and make a great contribution to our close-knit and connected team.

Learn why our people choose DPI and more importantly why they stay.
• Work with passion and purpose
• Have a tangible impact, for today and tomorrow
• Enjoy interesting, diverse work
• Follow your path wherever it leads
• Get the flexibility and support you need to thrive
• Be part of our one, diverse DPI

https://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/about/who/people

Join us and help preserve and protect Queensland's biosecurity. Visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au 

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

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We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity, including making any reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process.

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Licence
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY 3.0)
Last updated
2 May 2023

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