Technician – Genebank
FJD 2,402 - 3,002 per monthPosted 1 day ago
Closes in 17 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 including fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience and conservation of plant genetic resources. Within SPC, the Land Resources Division (LRD) provides scientific advice, capacity building and services on plant genetic resource conservation, forest and landscape management, and resilient agricultural systems to support Pacific communities' food and nutrition security.
About the role
The Technician – Genebank role sits within SPC's Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees (CePaCT) genebank, part of the Land Resources Division. The position is responsible for ensuring crop and tree collections are effectively conserved, characterised, documented and maintained, and made available for distribution to regional and international requestors. The technician carries out assigned research and technical activities under the direction of the Curator and Senior Technicians to improve genebank operations, procedures and protocols. Work includes both field/laboratory conservation duties and support for priority research into plant genetic resource conservation and sustainable use. The contract runs until 31 December 2027, subject to renewal depending on funding and performance, with the duty station in Suva.
Key responsibilities
- Carry out operations and procedures per Standard Operating Procedures to establish and maintain (conserve) CePaCT collections.
- Carry out operations and procedures per Standard Operating Procedures to distribute 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/Senior Technicians to improve CePaCT genebank operations, procedures and protocols.
- 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 organisational skills, with good attention to detail and computer skills.
- Excellent English communication skills, both oral and written, and ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive environment.