Who We Are

In Melbourne, water is essential to our way of life.

As caretakers for Melbourne’s water cycle, we care for water, life and land throughout Melbourne: both its people and its biodiversity.

Each time you drink from the tap, flush a toilet, run through a backyard sprinkler, or kayak down the Yarra, we’re there. Primed and ready, quietly delivering some of the world’s cleanest water for over five million residents and wildlife that call Melbourne home, just as we have for over 130 years.

If you value making it count, diving in with curiosity, and doing what’s right, you're in the right place.

About The Role

Reporting to WTP Laboratory and Solids Management Area Lead, this is part time, 6 month fixed term contract role within the WTP & Sewerage Transfer team. As the Molecular Biologist, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership regarding operational issues involving molecular biology across Melbourne Water.

You will also deliver and report upon molecular biology assays associated with Melbourne Water’s protozoan (faecal samples) and blue-green algae (water and wastewater samples) monitoring programs.

• Lead the molecular biology assays associated with Melbourne Water’s protozoan (animal faecal samples) and blue-green algae (water and wastewater samples) monitoring programs.
• Lead the new molecular biology assays that will deliver business value.
• Ensure the procurement of operational supplies and services for the maintenance of the WTP Molecular Biology Laboratory within allocated budget
• Provide technical expertise regarding operational issues involving molecular biology and microbiology across Melbourne Water.
• Ensure Melbourne Water remains at the forefront of relevant technical advances in molecular biology.
• Effectively communicate with the Research & Modelling, Drinking Water, WTP Process Teams and other Melbourne Water stakeholders to value and identify relevant opportunities for molecular biology assays for Melbourne Water’s services.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and customers.

About You

• Demonstrated laboratory experience in the application of common molecular biology techniques and associated workflows, including significant laboratory experience in:
  • Extraction and purification of nucleic acids (both DNA and RNA) from challenging environmental matrices (especially algal blooms, activated sludge, biosolids, wastewater, or faecal samples)
  • End-point PCR and gel electrophoresis
  • qPCR and RT-qPCR
• Significant experience in preparing samples for Sanger and next generation sequencing, managing and interpreting the resulting sequence data, inclusive associated bioinformatic workflows, such as phylogenetic analyses.
• Experience in the development or application of RPA, LAMP, CRISPR or ELISA-based diagnostic tools
• Proven experience in successful collaboration on water industry focused projects
• Builds rapport with consultants, service providers and contractors engaged by Melbourne Water.
• PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, or another relevant discipline
• Current VIC driver licence required

For more information, please review the attached Position Description: Molecular Biologist.pdf

Why Join Us

At Melbourne Water, we care about water and all life that springs from it.

Our people are fuelled by passion, and with safety at the forefront, we have an unwavering sense of purpose, and are on a mission to protect every Melburnian’s way of life, one drop at a time.

We walk the talk when it comes to flexible working – but that’s not all. Our culture of purpose, safety, results, and learning permeates everything we do. We're dedicated to doing what's right, and this commitment extends to the meaningful work we do in a supportive and inclusive culture that encourages you to make the most of your talents.

Our long-standing commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, people living with disability, mature age and young jobseekers from all cultures can apply with confidence knowing they are safe, affirmed, and celebrated.

If you’re curious, action-orientated, outcomes-focused, and care deeply for public resources, community, and the environment, we'd love to receive an application and learn if you could be a great fit.

How To Apply

Click the 'Apply Now' button below and complete our online application form.

Closing date: Sunday 29th June at 11:55pm AEST