SPC
Description
The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
The Land Resources Division (LRD) provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) on all aspects of agriculture and forestry. This includes plant protection, conservation, plant genetic resources, animal health and production, agroforestry, biosecurity and trade facilitation, and sustainable systems for agriculture, forestry and land management. This work has two objectives: improved food and nutritional security and resilient communities. The division’s services are provided through seven technical/thematic teams: Animal Health and Production; Plant Health; Biosecurity and Trade Facilitation; Forest and Agriculture Diversification; Crop Production and Extension; Genetic Resources; and Forests and Trees.
The Laboratory Technician – Germplasm Health will assist the Associate scientist – Germplasm Health with the functions of CePaCT’s Molecular Lab and Germplasm Health Unit (GHU), in order to meet a number of key outputs recommended by the Crop Trust Review team. To ensure that international standards are maintained, the successful candidate will directly assist the SPC Associate Scientist – Germplasm Health with activities related to the germplasm health unit and the molecular facilities.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
- Viral Indexing
- Virus Sanitation
- DNA fingerprinting
- Support the efficient and effective functions
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A diploma in science with emphasis on molecular and /or microbiology specialties
Knowledge and experience
- At least 3 years of work experience in a science related field or similar setting
- A working knowledge of viruses infecting tropical crops and diagnostic
- Good working knowledge of biotechnology lab and equipment
Essential skills
- Ability to design and implement experiments
- Prior tissue culture experience is an advantage
- Experience with the latest technologies in virus indexing such as PCR, RT-PCR, ELISA, and IC-PCR and virus elimination methodologies
- Demonstrated organisational skills with ability to work under deadlines
Language skills
- Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – The contract end date will vary as follows:
- Laboratory Technician – 3 months
- Laboratory Technician – Until 17 September 2022
Remuneration – The Laboratory Technician – Germplasm Health is a Band 6 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of 1,846-2,308 per month, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.
Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander.
Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing Date – 6 February 2022 at 11:45pm Fiji time
Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/
Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.
For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:
- an updated resume
- contact details for three professional referees
- a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
- responses to all screening questions
Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. These documents may be requested at a later stage.
Please ensure that you respond to all the screening questions. If you do not respond to the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.
Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role.
Screening Questions:
- Describe some of the functions of a germplasm health unit and its role in an international genebank, given the nature of Small Island Development States (SIDS) and the crops kept at the Center for Pacific Crop trees
- Explain why it is important to have a germplasm health unit associated with a genebank that distributes crops, especially in the Pacific.
- What are the main pathogens that need to be tested for in clonally propagated crops?
To apply for this job please visit reliefweb.int.