The Opportunity
As our Technical Officer, you will:
* Operate within the Postharvest Commodity Protection Program and be responsible for day-to-day management of molecular insect and resistance diagnostics, insecticide/fumigant bioassay experiments aligned with the research milestones in a three-year SRA and GRDC-funded research project, respectively. Key project activities include
* Screening field-collected commodity samples in the laboratory, identifying them taxonomically and establishing nucleus insect cultures for various toxicity or biology experiments.
* Extract insect DNA for pest species and resistance diagnosis and establish a series of workflows for the insect molecular laboratory (PCR, library preparation, multiplexing, amplicon sequencing and electrophoresis).
* Participate in the maintenance of other laboratory insect reference colonies, adhering to established protocols.
* Assist other technicians with the preparation and execution of bioassay experiments using chemical fumigants and insecticides.
* Participate in the preparation and execution of field efficacy research and grain sample collection and screening.
* Assist the project leader and other research staff in project planning, organise grain commodities and other experimental materials, and undertake fumigation experiments following the contracted project milestones.
* Collate research data, their statistical analyses and presentation in the required format to the project leader.
* Collaborate with other Technical Officers to maintain sensitive equipment such as PCR machines, refrigerated centrifuges, gas chromatographs.
* Assist the project leader in preparation of quarterly and final report/s, research publications and extension materials.
* Liaise between the project leader and key contacts in GRDC and other stakeholders of the grain industry including bulk handling companies and farmers.
Technical Requirements of the Role
* Technical experience in agricultural entomology, particularly in adopting DNA diagnostic tools for species or trait characterisation and performing bioassay methods related to the evaluation of insecticides (grain protectants and fumigants) against key grain insect pests.
You will have an ability and willingness to travel, including overnight, to service research sites.
What We Are Looking For
There are some qualifications that we see as essential to the role. You must possess a:
* A diploma-level qualification in agriculture, applied science or an equivalent qualification in a related field. Experience in molecular entomology (DNA diagnostics), laboratory insect culturing and bioassays involving insecticides will be an advantage.
* A current 'C' class driver's licence.
Why work for us
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
Visit to learn more about us and what we do
Further information
Location:
Brisbane South
Job Ad Reference:
QLD/675232/26
Closing Date:
Thursday, 22 January 2026
Applications to remain current for 12 months
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
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