Job Listings

Molecular Entomologist & Field Scientist
EnviroDNA
Posted 21 September 2021 Salary $80K Email jmurphy@envirodna.com
Region VIC Contact Jacquie Murphy Website View
Type Full time Phone 90288753    

We are looking for a molecular genetic scientist that can also feel right at home in the field, and ideally brings entomology experience. Can you see yourself trialling new eDNA techniques for agricultural insect pests or exotic invasive species?  We have several projects recently underway in the biosecurity and agriculture sphere and we need someone dedicated to making them happen, and extending eDNA assays into the field. 

  • Perhaps you are working in an agricultural or biosecurity sphere and would be excited to throw yourself into cutting edge pest detection in real-time.
  • Maybe you have been working with eDNA or similar DNA techniques through post graduate studies and are keen to develop your career towards agricultural or biosecurity related industries. 
  • Or maybe you love the wondrous world of insects and have other skillsets aligned with this role.

Whoever you are, if this role description gets you excited, we are equally excited to hear from you!
 

WHO WOULD YOU BE WORKING WITH

For nearly 5 years we have been EnviroDNA – Australia’s first dedicated provider of environmental DNA (eDNA) services. We are a purpose driven business, which spun out of our sister environmental science company Cesar Australia. As the name suggests, eDNA is at the heart of what we do. We help government, not-for-profit and private organisations detect species and map biodiversity using eDNA methods. It’s a technology that is opening the door to unprecedented wildlife detection data. We are in the early stages of the company’s growth, busy with market development, product/service development and R&D type activities to bring highly valuable solutions to governments and industry. Ultimately, we aim to enable improved outcomes in important areas such as biosecurity and conservation.
 

ROLE MISSION

To help us drive innovation in the agriculture and biosecurity spaces and ensure our clients and collaborators want to continue to work with us. This will be thanks to you acing project management, R&D activities and project delivery in the field and laboratory.
 

ROLE OUTCOMES

1. Project management: Projects meet or exceed milestone deliverables.

Example activities: developing project plans, ensuring internal or collaborator deliverables are met and identifying, removing or addressing blocks to progress.

2. Project delivery: Project outputs are delivered on time and meet budget expectations.

Example activities:  molecular work, field work, data analysis, desktop research, report writing, presentation of insights, group discussions, protocol development. 

3. Stakeholder relationships: Productive ongoing relationships and positive feedback from clients, collaborators, and other stakeholders. 

Example activities: Proactive communication with clients/stakeholders, thinking strategically beyond existing projects about how we could help our clients – anticipate their needs.

4. Research and development: Capability to take on new challenges and strive to improve how we do things.

Example activities: development of eDNA sampling methods in terrestrial agronomic ecosystems; in-field DNA extraction and qPCR assay development.

You will also be expected to contribute to scientific manuscripts, grant writing and BD activities as needed.
 

MOST IMPORTANT COMPETENCIES – IS THIS YOU?

  • Molecular genetic skillset – e.g. DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, assay development and sequencing.
  • Agriculture/biosecurity - experience or strong interest in these areas.
  • Comfortable and capable in field situations– e.g. planning & undertaking field work, thinking on your feet with limited time.
  • Project management experience & ability – juggling multiple projects & stakeholders
  • R&D initiative and ability to thrive amongst ambiguity – e.g. developing new techniques
  • Entomology experience is highly desirable – while we are open to receiving applications from those who do not have entomology experience, it is highly desirable with a lot of the work focused on insect pests.
     

OUR COMPANY VALUES ALSO NEED TO RESONATE WITH YOU….

  • Scientific excellence - Scientific rigour and innovation are central to the practical outcomes we deliver.
  • Bring grit - We are fast paced, determined, and persevere through challenges.
  • Love it, own it - We are passionate about what we do and own the responsibility for achieving greatness. 
  • Do good for the environment - We are driven by purpose and strive to have a positive impact.
  • Trust yourself and each other - We have the courage to face ambiguity and help others do the same.
     

WHAT WE CAN OFFER...

  • 2 year contract with potential future opportunity to grow with a purpose driven and innovative business in its formative years. 
  • A shiny new purpose-built molecular laboratory and office in the hustle and bustle of Brunswick, Melbourne.
  • A team of dedicated colleagues who strive to have a positive impact and love what they do.
  • Opportunities for flexible working arrangements like remote working. 
  • Full time position, $80K salary negotiable for the right person. 


WOULD YOU LIKE TO APPLY?

Please send an email to Jacquie Murphy, (jmurphy@envirodna.com) including the following:

1. A video (via your mobile phone is fine) of no more than 2 minutes outlining:

  • why this role would be the perfect opportunity for you. We would like to hear what excites you about it and why you’d like to work with us at EnviroDNA.
  • the key attributes you would bring to this role and the business 

2. A cover letter of no more than one page including brief explanation of what company value most resonates with you and why.

3. Your CV

We want to be making an appointment ASAP so please send in your applications by the end of September. If you wish to apply after this date please contact us to see if we are still accepting applications. 

We are accepting applications from people who have the right to work in Australia or NZ.


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