Laboratory Assistant

Primary Purpose:

The Laboratory Assistant works in close consultation with the Lab Supervisor to co-ordinate testing and general running of the Laboratory.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• To observe all work, health and safety, environmental and quality programs, policies and procedures developed to meet the intent of the WHS, Environmental and Quality policies.


• Conduct seed quality testing for conventional and transgenic traits in accordance with the ‘CSD Laboratory Procedures Manual’ and to ISTA standards and procedures including sample preparation and assessment.


• Conduct seed sample management including recording, labelling and storing seed samples.


• Maintain a safe, clean and hygienic work environment within the laboratory.


• Recording of results into CSD databases and computer programs.


• Monitoring and reporting the levels of consumables for efficient operation of Laboratory.


• When required participate in problem solving associated with:
  
  
  
  • Seed sampling and sub-sampling according to ISTA standards and procedures.
  
  
  • Seed quality testing for conventional traits according to ISTA standards and procedures.
  
  
  • Seed quality testing for transgenic traits using protein extraction methods.
  
  
  
  


• Assist in evaluation and implementation of new processes for quantifying and qualifying seed quality.


• Review, maintain and further develop the CSD Laboratory Procedures Manual in consultation with the Lab Supervisor


• Field leaf sampling of post control and nursery plants.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

• Any other task as required from time to time by CSD.

Essential Requirements:

• Ability to work as part of a team as well as act on own initiative, work unsupervised, effectively prioritise workload and problem solve.


• Ability to work under pressure with a significant degree of initiative and autonomy.


• A strong safety focus and concern for the health and wellbeing of yourself and your work colleagues;


• The ability to prioritise, meet deadlines and deliver information with a high level of accuracy;


• Current Drivers 


• Maintaining currency in fields of operation and undertaking required training;


• Following all Standard Operating Procedures, Safe Work Method Statements, Work Task Procedures and the CSD Employee Code of Conduct;


• Emotionally intelligent and confident to liaise with all stakeholders.


• Demonstrate attention to detail and organisational skills.


• Demonstrate understanding of HSE procedures and systems


• Demonstrate the application of continuous improvement processes.


• Willingness to develop leadership skills and undertake further professional development


• The physical capabilities and mental aptitude to undertake the inherent tasks of the role.

Highly Desirable:

• Vocational or Tertiary qualifications in a related field