Please note that the salary rates will be increasing to Specified Calling Level 2, $116,195 - $127,313 pa, as of 13 June 2026.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) lead the sustainable development of Western Australia’s regions and agriculture, aquaculture, food and fisheries sectors. In everything we do, we take an approach to protect, grow and innovate WA’s economy, community and environment. To learn more about our department, our team and the work we do, please visit our website.

About the opportunity

There is currently one (1) permanent full-time position available for immediate filling.

As a Laboratory Scientist (SCL2) working within the NATA-accredited Bacteriology Laboratory, you will undertake routine diagnostic investigations using culture and identification techniques for the diagnosis of bacterial and fungal diseases of animals, in accordance with the laboratory’s quality system.

Your duties will include sample preparation and processing, bacterial culture and identification, data analysis and reporting, maintenance of quality systems and laboratory equipment and day-to-day supervision and training of technical staff. You will also collaborate with internal and external colleagues and stakeholders to support surveillance and market assurance programs, as well as research activities that contribute to DPIRD’s efforts to maintain healthy and sustainable agriculture in Western Australia.

We are seeking individuals with the following:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Experience in processing and handling animal samples, including both terrestrial and aquatic species.
• Experience in the identification of bacteria and fungi using traditional culture and molecular techniques, including in-house and commercial biochemical testing, MALDI-TOF, serotyping, and PCR/sequencing methods.
• Experience with antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and interpretation, including disk diffusion and MIC-based methods.
• Proficiency in high-throughput sequencing (HTS)/whole genome sequencing (WGS), and phylogenetic analysis including library preparation and bioinformatics workflows.
• Experience working within laboratory quality systems aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 standards for testing and calibration laboratories.
• Competency in the use of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Please note that a degree in Agricultural Science or Science (Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Animal Pathology or a relevant field) is a special requirement for this position.

For further information and special requirements for this role please see attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Equity and Diversity

At DPIRD we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and are an equal opportunity employer. We value and strongly encourage people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, women and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for positions within our agency.

How to Apply

Click the Apply button and attach the following to your application:

• A comprehensive CV that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements including details of two (2) referees.
• A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages in length demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the following Work Related Requirements:

• Role Specific: 1
• Core Capabilities: 4 & 7

It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information. All Work-Related Requirements will be assessed at some stage during the selection process.

Need further information?

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Sam Hair, Principal Laboratory Scientist on 0467 899 154 during office hours.

If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 in the first instance. For further information about the recruitment process please contact our Employment team on (08) 6552 1943.

Employment Conditions and Additional Information

DPIRD is an Emergency Management Agency and all employees may be required to work or travel during, or outside of, normal business hours to assist with incidents and emergencies.

Am I eligible to apply?

To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term or a casual appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period as part of your application.

You will be required to provide a current National Police Certificate (police clearance) before commencing employment. If not currently held, this must be acquired prior to appointment at applicant’s expense.

This process may be used to fill other same/similar fixed term, permanent, vacancies that arise in DPIRD at locations listed in this advert. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position, the panel may select another suitable applicant from this selection process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the approval of the initial recruitment decision.

The recruitment process may include online written assessments, psychometric, cognitive or other testing, job-related tasks, video or live stream interviews, documentation and reference checks or other assessment methodologies as required. We reserve the right to supplement the field of applicants via an executive search if required.

Please ensure you have plenty of time to submit your application to allow for unanticipated problems, as late and proforma applications will not be accepted. (Please note: Online lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted).