Technician - Genebank
FJD 2,402 - 3,002 per monthPosted 1 day ago
Closes in 16 days
About the company
The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. It is an international development organisation owned and governed by 27 country and territory members, working across more than 25 sectors. SPC is known for its knowledge and innovation in areas such as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. The Land Resources Division (LRD) provides scientific advice, capacity building and services on plant genetic resource conservation, forest and landscape management, resilient agricultural systems and livelihood diversification to improve food, nutrition security and resilience for Pacific communities.
About the role
This role ensures that crop and tree collections in the Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees (CePaCT) genebank are effectively conserved, characterised, documented and maintained, and available for distribution to regional and international requestors. The Technician supports priority research and technical activities that improve the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources. Research activities are carried out as assigned by the Curator or Senior Technicians, to improve genebank operations, procedures and protocols. The position also involves routine laboratory operations carried out in accordance with established procedures, hygiene and safety requirements, and active participation in the administrative and operational activities of the CePaCT Genebank team.
Key responsibilities
- Carry out operations and procedures per Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure effective establishment and maintenance (conservation) of CePaCT collections.
- Carry out operations and procedures per SOPs to ensure efficient and effective distribution of CePaCT requested accessions.
- Regularly monitor and mass propagate germplasm distribution stocks to meet requests from partners and collaborators.
- Undertake assigned germplasm characterisation and evaluation activities in accordance with established descriptors, protocols and standards.
- Support the implementation of approved research activities as assigned by the Curator or Senior Technicians.
- Ensure laboratory procedures are carried out in accordance with established procedures, hygiene and safety requirements.
- Actively participate and contribute to administrative and operational activities of the CePaCT Genebank team.
About the successful candidate
- A diploma in biological science (biology, biochemistry, agriculture) and/or relevant laboratory qualification, or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.
- A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
- Knowledge and skills in tissue culture technology and laboratory procedures.
- Sound knowledge and experience in propagation methods for selected samples, pests, diseases, etc.
- Working knowledge of laboratory data analysis software.
- Self-motivated, disciplined, and able to work effectively individually and within a team.
- Excellent time management, communication, and organizational skills, with good attention to detail and computer skills.
- Excellent English communication skills (oral and written), and ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.