Laboratory Technician – Germplasm Health and Genomics
FJD 1,987 - 2,483 per monthPosted 2 weeks ago
Closes today
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. Its Land Resources Division provides scientific advice and services on genetic resource conservation, resilient agriculture, biosecurity, and related fields to improve food and nutrition security for Pacific communities.
About the role
This role sits within CePaCT's Germplasm Health and Genomics Unit (GHGU) and will assist the SPC Scientist – Germplasm Health and Genomics with unit functions, supporting key outputs recommended by the Crop Trust Review team and the CePaCT Business Plan. The technician works directly under the Scientist to ensure international standards are maintained across virus indexing, virus sanitation, and DNA fingerprinting activities. Duties span labelling and record-keeping for crop accessions, virus cleaning of infected materials, DNA extraction, and broader support for CePaCT's lab operations including conservation, distribution, and equipment sourcing. The position is offered on a one-year contract, subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.
Key responsibilities
- Carry out virus indexing of CePaCT crop accessions as allocated by the Scientist-Germplasm Health and Genomics.
- Carry out labelling of CePaCT accessions with the correct health status.
- Maintain and update health testing record book and online databases as required by the Scientist-Germplasm Health and Genomics.
- Maintain the hygiene of the Germplasm Health and Genomics Unit (GHGU).
- Carry out virus sanitation research as directed by the Scientist-Germplasm Health and Genomics, and virus clean infected materials.
- Build numbers for crop accessions and extract DNA from allocated accessions for DNA fingerprinting.
- Assist with the conservation and distribution of CePaCT crops upon request, and monitor virus indexing crops in PEQ.
- Assist in the sourcing of equipment and consumables, and in the upkeep of overall CePaCT lab hygiene.
About the successful candidate
- A diploma in science or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.
- At least 3 years of work experience in a similar setting.
- A working knowledge of viruses infecting tropical crops and diagnostics.
- Good working knowledge of biotechnology lab and equipment.
- Excellent writing and communication skills.
- Ability to design and implement experiments.
- Excellent English communication skills, both oral and written.
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.