Laboratory Assistant (Hygiene and Screenhouse)

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Land Resources Division (LRD) provides effective expert scientific advice, capacity building and services on conservation, development and utilization of plant genetic resources, forest and landscape management, resilient agricultural systems, diversification of livelihood strategies and access to markets to maintain ecosystem services and improve land productivity and the food, nutrition security and resilience of Pacific communities. LRD has expertise in genetic resource conservation, resilient agriculture, biosecurity, pest and disease management, agricultural extension, plant pathology, entomology and animal health. It collaborates with governments, regional organisations, civil society and other SPC divisions to pinpoint the needs and priorities of Pacific countries and communities and provide technical expertise to address them. This mission is realized through four main thematic work areas, or pillars, and a progressively integrated approach to programming that works towards achieving SPC’s development goals.

The role – Laboratory Assistant (Hygiene and Screenhouse) will help with the sterilization of culture vessels and plant materials including assisting with culture media preparation and the maintenance of screenhouse and field plants, to support conservation and distribution activities ensuring workloads are met within given deadlines.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Maintenance of CePaCT laboratories and external facilities to sustain high level of hygiene to ensure the safety of operations following the international genebank standards

• Ensure good maintenance of the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory (i.e., all growth rooms; transfer/sub culturing room; bioreactor room; autoclave room; storeroom and kitchen) to always sustain high level of hygiene.
• Ensure good maintenance of the screenhouse (internal and external), vault (external safety duplication room), and upstairs facilities (i.e., seed laboratory and offices) to always sustain high level of hygiene.

Cleaning and sterilization of cultures vessels and plant materials

• Ensure culture vessels are properly cleaned and sterilized following procedures in place.
• Ensure plant wastes are disposed properly following standard procedures in place.

Maintenance of CePaCT germplasm collection to support distribution and field evaluations

• Ensure screenhouse plants are well maintained to support distribution and evaluation of crops.
• Ensure plants are readily available for screenhouse evaluation and field distribution.

Assist with media preparation

• Ensure timely preparation and availability of culture medium to maintain germplasm collection and distribution.

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Certificate in secondary education.

Technical expertise

• 3 years of relevant experience, ideally in general laboratory cleaning and maintenance.
• Basic understanding in propagating of plants.
• Basic knowledge of working in a sterile laboratory environment.
• Ability to follow and apply procedures.
• Basic knowledge in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Reliable, hard-working with an ability to handle demanding workloads.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – 2 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Laboratory Assistant (Hygiene and Screenhouse) is a band 3 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 1,072-1,341 per month, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Recruitment principles –SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander.

Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.