Laboratory Technician - Germplasm Health and Genomics

• Attractive local package
• Friendly and supportive team environment
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

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 Technician – Germplasm Health and Genomics will assist the Scientist – Germplasm Health and Genomics with the functions of CePaCT’ s Germplasm Health and Genomics Unit (GHGU) to meet a number of key outputs as per recommendations of the Crop Trust Review team which the new CePaCT Business Plan also supports. The position will directly assist the SPC Scientist – Germplasm Health and Genomics with activities related to GHGU to ensure that international standards are maintained.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Virus Indexing

• Carry out virus indexing of CePaCT crop accessions as allocated by the Scientist-Germplasm Health and Genomics.
• Carry out labelling of CePaCT accessions with the correct health status.
• Maintain and update health testing record book and online databases as required by the Scientist-Germplasm Health and Genomics.
• Maintain the hygiene of the Germplasm Health and Genomics Unit (GHGU).

Virus Sanitation

• Carry out virus sanitation research as directed by the Scientist-Germplasm Health and Genomics.
• Virus clean infected materials.

DNA Fingerprinting

• Build numbers for the crop accessions for DNA fingerprinting.
• Extract DNA from the allocated accessions for DNA fingerprinting.

Support the Efficient and Effective Functions of CePaCT

• Assist with the conservation and distribution of CePaCT crops upon request.
• Monitor virus indexing crops in PEQ.
• Assist in the sourcing of equipment and consumables.
• Assist in the upkeep of overall CePaCT lab hygiene.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A diploma in science or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 3 years of work experience in similar setting.
• A working knowledge of viruses infecting tropical crops and diagnostics.
• Good working knowledge of biotechnology lab and equipment.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Ability to design and implement experiments.

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 – 1 year – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – the Laboratory Technician – Germplasm Health and Genomics is a band 6 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 1,987-2,483 per month, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised locally (EPAL) whose duty station is Suva – SPC provides medical and life insurance for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a 10% contribution).

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.

Application procedure

Closing Date – 11 October 2026 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000997

Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:

• an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role.

SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.

Screening Questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):

1. Describe the role of a Germplasm Health and Genomics Unit within an international genebank. How does this function support the conservation and safe international distribution of plant genetic resources, particularly for crops maintained by CePaCT?
2. Why is phytosanitary testing and certification important for a genebank that distributes planting materials across countries? In your response, discuss the risks associated with the movement of plant pathogens in the Pacific region and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
3. Clonally propagated crops are particularly vulnerable to the accumulation and spread of pathogens. Describe the main groups of pathogens that should be tested for in these crops, explain the risks they pose, and outline the laboratory methods that can be used for their detection.