Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference: 863837
Location: 5064 - URRBRAE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Help drive innovation that protects and strengthens South Australia's primary industries.
Are you an experienced molecular diagnostics professional ready to shape the future of plant health diagnostics, biosecurity preparedness and applied research?
The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) is seeking an Associate Subprogram Leader, Molecular Diagnostics to play a key role within the Plant Health and Diagnostics Program and the SARDI Molecular Diagnostic Centre (MDC). Reporting directly to the Subprogram Leader, you will provide scientific, operational and support people management across molecular diagnostic services, research programs and innovation initiatives that support industry, government and national biosecurity priorities.

About the role
As the Associate Subprogram Leader, Molecular Diagnostics, you will work closely with the Subprogram Leader to support the delivery of molecular diagnostic services, applied research and innovation that protect South Australia's plant industries and strengthen biosecurity outcomes.
You will play an important role in supporting the day-to-day activities of the Molecular Diagnostics subprogram, including staff development, project delivery and diagnostic services. You will contribute to the operation of the Molecular Diagnostic Centre by overseeing diagnostic activities, delivering research and development projects, and implementing new diagnostic methods and technologies.
You will apply your scientific expertise to address emerging plant health challenges, working with industry, government and research partners to detect and respond to pests and diseases while improving diagnostic capability and delivering practical outcomes for South Australia's primary industries.

About you
You are a collaborative and capable scientist who enjoys applying molecular diagnostic techniques to solve problems. You bring a strong understanding of plant health, biosecurity or a related scientific field, along with the ability to deliver quality outcomes in a busy and evolving environment.

You will bring:

• Experience in molecular diagnostics, plant health, biosecurity or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience delivering research, diagnostic or laboratory-based projects and services.
• Strong technical knowledge, with the ability to apply and adapt diagnostic methods and technologies.
• Sound project, budget and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience supporting and developing scientific and technical staff.
• The ability to build productive relationships across industry, government and research organisations.
• Strong communication skills and a commitment to quality, continuous improvement and customer service.

Why join us?
Join a collaborative team focused on supporting South Australia's primary industries through applied research and biosecurity initiatives. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that deliver positive outcomes for industry and the community.

If you're passionate about delivering high-quality scientific research and making a tangible contribution to biosecurity and primary industries, we'd love to hear from you.

About Us
South Australia is internationally recognised for the quality of its agriculture, food, and wine. Our regions are the backbone of our state and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency working in partnership with our primary industries, regional stakeholders and across all levels of government to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities.
We are a passionate team of around 800 people working across metropolitan and regional South Australia to develop and protect our state’s regions and food, wine, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, grains, livestock, dairy and horticulture industries.
It's no wonder there are so many exciting and diverse career opportunities in our organisation. If you’re ready to join us, apply now!

Benefits
At the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, we offer our employees challenging and rewarding work with opportunities for career progression, learning and development and flexibility.

Our Commitment to Diversity
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.  We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age.

Special Conditions and Requirements

• This full-time opportunity (37.5 hours per week) is available until December 2029.
• The successful applicant will be required to complete or be willing to obtain a National Police Check, hold a current driver's licence, undertake occasional travel and out-of-hours work, and participate in emergency management training and response activities.
• Applicants must have Australian work rights and meet the work health and safety requirements of the role. Further information is available in the Role Description.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualifications, preferably in molecular biology, plant pathology or a related discipline.

Remuneration
PO4 - $122,752 min - $133,635 max per annum, plus superannuation 

Confidential Enquiries
Dr Danièle Giblot-Ducray
Sub – Program Leader, Molecular Diagnostic
Phone: 0884292229
Email: [email protected]

Website: https://pir.sa.gov.au/sardi

Application Instructions
All applications must be submitted online.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please see the attached applicant instructions, and outline your skills and experience in relation to the Professional and Technical Knowledge, Leadership and Collaboration and Relationship Building capabilities of the attached role description.
Applicants must include the contact information of at least 2 referees with 1 being your immediate supervisor/manager and a completed “Pre-Employment Declaration in the SA Public Sector” form.

Applications close: 29/11/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Application Guidelines.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description - Associate Subprogram Leader - Molecular Diagnostics.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.