ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

The World Mosquito Program (WMP) is a not-for-profit group of companies owned by Australia's Monash University that works to protect the global community from mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, yellow fever and chikungunya. The World Mosquito Program uses naturally occurring bacteria called Wolbachia to reduce the ability of mosquitoes to transmit viruses that cause life-threatening disease throughout tropical countries of the world.

Following years of laboratory research, independent risk analysis and successful field trials, WMP has undertaken deployments in 11 countries around the world and has widespread support from communities, governments and public health regulators. We are now undergoing rapid organisational change to position WMP to play a key role in scaling global access to Wolbachia and helping to protect the 4 billion people worldwide who live at risk of dengue and other mosquito transmitted viral diseases. WMP is funded by governments and philanthropists around the world. More information about the WMP can be obtained from www.worldmosquitoprogram.org.

 

POSITION PURPOSE

The Technical Officer provides technical services and assistance to researchers and staff to further and support the research operations of the Production and Product Development Team, World Mosquito Program. The Technical Officer applies theoretical and technical knowledge to perform a range of tasks, including but not limited to mosquito rearing, insectary upkeep, assistance with experiments and process optimisation, data collection, data analysis, testing specialized equipment and assisting with the development of operating procedures, while ensuring a compliant and safe research environment.

Reporting Line: The position reports to the Team Lead for Research on Release Systems in the Production and Product Development Team.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Not applicable

Financial delegation and/or budget responsibilities: Not applicable

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Rear mosquitoes under controlled insectary conditions following standard insectary rearing procedures for experimental use, including preparation of laboratory reagents and materials, cleaning, upkeep and maintenance of insectary equipment, and handling of various mosquito life stages (eggs, aquatic stages, adults).
2. Implement and execute standardised protocols and procedures for the analysis and evaluation of Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti.
3. Support the achievement of research outcomes by undertaking a range of research support tasks including conducting experiments, collecting, recording and analyzing data, installing and testing new equipment and optimizing procedures, in accordance with established research objectives, timeframes and protocols.
4. Provide feedback and implement continuous improvement activities relating to project or research processes and outcomes.
5. Keep abreast of developments, activities and protocols in area of expertise through liaison with staff and peers, reading relevant literature and attending meetings and seminars.
6. Assist in preparing reports and other documentation, including research plans, schedules and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
7. Maintain open and effective channels of communication by working closely with other Research Officers to progress research activities.
8. Comply with Monash University policy, procedure and protocols relevant to maintaining a Quarantine insect facility in PC2 and PC3 laboratory

 

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Education/Qualifications

1. The appointee will have:

• a tertiary qualification in a relevant field; or
• substantial relevant skills and work experience; or
• an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training

Knowledge and Skills

1. Sound analytical, technical and data analysis skills and a demonstrated capacity to learn and apply effective technical methods, processes and systems
2. Sound organisational skills, including the ability to set priorities, manage time and plan work to meet deadlines
3. Adaptability to a fast-paced work environment with a demonstrated ability to reliably perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy and consistency
4. Attention to detail and ability to accurately record data
5. Ability to work as an effective member of a team as well as independently under general supervision
6. Ability to acquire knowledge of and apply policies and procedures, such as Biosecurity, standard operating procedures and OHS
7. Well-developed communication skills, including the ability to draft a range of documentation and communicate clearly and positively with a large multidisciplinary and multicultural team
8. Good computer literacy, including ability to learn and adopt new software packages as required

 

OTHER JOB-RELATED INFORMATION

• This position will be based in Melbourne, Australia but may require travel to project sites in Australia and overseas.
• There may be a requirement to work additional hours from time to time. Shift work, overtime and out of hours work (including evenings, weekends and public holidays) may be required.
• There may be peak periods of work during which the taking of leave may be restricted.
• It is an inherent requirement of the role that the incumbent may be working with, or have risk of exposure to, blood feeding insects. Vaccination against Hepatitis B is mandatory; vaccination will be organized in absence of proof of vaccination/ proof of adequate immunity provided on commencement of employment. Additional travel vaccinations may be required for overseas project sites.

 

NOTES:

• The position is only open to applicants with the rights to work in Australia.
• Work location: Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Rd, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
• Work duration: 12 months
• The Cover letter is required
• Closing date: 7 February 2023

 

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