National Entomologist & Diagnostics Lead

Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Sydney NSW is seeking an experienced Entomologist to lead the Operational Science and Surveillance Entomology team. You will coordinate diagnostics, policy advice, and training to support national surveillance and risk assessment across multiple laboratories.

The role requires strong leadership and a deep understanding of biosecurity challenges in Australia.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years relevant experience in invertebrate diagnostics.
• Knowledge of insects, arachnids and invertebrate pests of biosecurity significance to Australia.
• Morphology-based identification of invertebrate specimens; molecular diagnostics advantageous.
• Extensive knowledge of the Australian biosecurity environment and pest risk mitigation measures.
• Experience in area technical management and oversight in relation to entomological diagnostics, technical advice and strategic direction.
• Experience in leading and motivating a team, coordinating complex tasks.
• Ability to interrogate, analyse and report on diagnostic data.
• Commitment to WH&S management in diverse work areas.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical management and leadership of OSS Entomology staff and laboratory operations.
• Coordinate operational policy areas to support national consistency and high-quality diagnostics.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders and technical specialists.
• Contribute to development of surveillance, diagnostics, data management and risk-mitigation policies.
• Perform general and specialist diagnostics of insects and invertebrates to high standards.
• Prepare invertebrate specimens for diagnostics and long-term preservation; perform high-quality imaging.
• Contribute to training material, competency assessments and proficiency testing.
• Coordinate OSS Entomology professional development and resource planning.
• Ensure methods are appropriate and validated; ensure personnel competency and participate in proficiency testing.
• Collaborate with sections for continuous improvement and innovation in diagnostics.

Skills

Invertebrate diagnostics

Pest identification

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, ecology or entomology

Job description

Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Sydney NSW is seeking an experienced Entomologist to lead the Operational Science and Surveillance Entomology team. You will coordinate diagnostics, policy advice, and training to support national surveillance and risk assessment across multiple laboratories.

The role requires strong leadership and a deep understanding of biosecurity challenges in Australia.