Job description
Agency Department of Agriculture and Work unit Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory – Biosecurity
Fisheries and Animal Welfare
Job title Virology Technician Designation Technical 2
Job type Full time Duration Fixed from 2/09/2026 to 30/06/2027
Salary $70,859 - $79,902 Location Darwin
Position number 76260042 RTF 351569 Closing 15/07/2026
Contact Officer Dr Richard Weir, Principal Veterinary Virologist on 08 8999 2052 or [email protected]
About the agency https://daf.nt.gov.au
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=351569
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF
YOUR TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates
people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment
process or job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the
merit process, go to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures
plans, go to the OCPE website.
Primary objective
To provide technical assistance in provision of a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited veterinary
virology service to support disease control and prevention for clients of primary industry, including aquaculture, throughout
the Northern Territory.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Clean and sterilise laboratory glassware, equipment and protective clothing.
2. Responsible for the care of laboratory animals according to the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals
for scientific purposes.
3. Perform general laboratory tasks, including specialised cleaning, reagent preparation, routine virology procedures and
recording results.
4. Conduct experimental animal field duties including blood collections from sentinel cattle, pigs and chickens.
5. Receive, distribute and process samples for Japanese encephalitis virus isolation and testing.
6. Calibrate laboratory pipettes in accordance with established protocols.
7. Support emergency disease and pest animal and plant responses in the Northern Territory.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Demonstrated interest and ability to work in a Virology Laboratory.
2. Demonstrated ability to work with and care for experimental animals.
3. Ability to work both independently under supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.
4. Ability to follow instructions accurately and carry out specified tasks.
5. Current NT Driver’s licence or ability to obtain one.
Desirable
1. Experience working in a virology laboratory.
2. Experience in the care, maintenance and breeding of experimental animals.
3. Knowledge of and experience with standard desktop software and computer applications used for data handling.
4. Ability to perform basic maintenance tasks.
Further information
Current vaccination or willingness to undergo vaccination for Japanese encephalitis virus is required.
