ROLE DESCRIPTION
STREAM E (ASO1–ASO2, OPS1–OPS2, TGO0-TGO1)
ROLE TITLE:
Research Casual Assistant, EBU
AGENCY:
Department of the Premier and Cabinet
CLASSIFICATION:
OPS2
DIVISION:
South Australian Museum
ROLE NUMBER:
AR1000
BUSINESS UNIT: Science, Evolutionary Biology Unit
REPORTS TO: One of the following according to the sections involved: Principal Researcher and/or
Head of EBU and Senior Research Scientists.
ROLES REPORTING TO THIS ROLE: [Include the title of positions the role is responsible for.]
ROLE PURPOSE: [In one or two short sentences, describe what the role is expected to accomplish.]
The Casual research assistant, genetic analyses, is accountable to the principal researcher, South Australian Museum for the extraction of DNA, preparation of DNA libraries, development of microsatellites or other
genetic markers, genotyping or sequencing analyses of genetic data.
KEY OUTCOMES OF ROLE: [List the key outcomes that are critical to achieve the purpose of the role.]
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Extract DNA from animal samples.
Prepare DNA libraries for next generation genotyping technologies
Develop microsatellite or other DNA markers from animals.
Perform polymerase chain reactions for the amplification of microsatellite and other DNA markers
Prepare samples for genotyping (microsatellites) or sequencing.
Analyse and edit the genotyping or sequence data
KEY RELATIONSHIPS / INTERACTIONS: [List the titles of individuals, departments and organisations with which the role has the most frequent contact. Briefly describe the nature or purpose of these contacts.]
 Principal Researcher
 Head of EBU
 Collections/Research collective
SPECIAL CONDITIONS: [List any special conditions of the role e.g. out of hours work may be required.]
 Occasional intra-state travel may be necessary. Out of hours work may also be required.
 May be expected to participate in fieldwork in remote areas.
 The Agency is a smoke free workplace.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA: [List the essential qualifications (in accordance with the Commissioner’s
Determination 5, Attachment 1), knowledge, skills, experience (including community experience), key
competencies/behaviours, and personal qualities required to perform the role effectively – Maximum of 8.]
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Some experience with record keeping, cataloguing and computer databases.
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Some experience with DNA extraction techniques
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Some experience with polymerase chain amplifications
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Some experience with DNA library prep methods and quality assessment
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Some experience with genotyping of microsatellites and/or sequencing
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Sound verbal and written communication skills.
Some knowledge of molecular ecology
A university degree in a relevant field, such as Biology or Zoology with specialised honours in
molecular ecology
CORE COMPETENCIES & ASSOCIATED BEHAVIOURS EXPECTED AT THIS CLASSIFICATION:
[Check the boxes of the behaviours that are most relevant to the role.]
Understands the Big Picture
Recognises how they contribute to the big picture
Understands and supports business objectives
Adapts to a changing environment
Demonstrates an awareness and solves everyday problems that may impact on own designated work
tasks
Is aware of both internal and external factors and influences that may affect own work outcomes
Achieves Results
Makes effective use of own capabilities
Monitors and evaluates available information correctly to deliver the best results
Understands how work practices are governed by Public Sector legislation, regulations and policies
Is responsive and completes tasks within set timelines
Contributes own expertise to achieve outcomes for the business unit
Embraces Business Excellence
DPC VALUES:
DPC’s Values support the achievement of our objectives and build a high performing workplace. We will:
 Put our customers and citizens at the centre of our decision making (Service)
 Encourage and support innovation (Innovation)
 Respect and value our people and ensure their safety and wellbeing (Respect)
 Take pride in our organisation, our work and ourselves (Professionalism)
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for:
 Keeping accurate and complete records of business activities in accordance with the State
Records Act 1997.
 Maintaining a commitment to the Public Sector Act 2009, Ethical Conduct and the legislative
requirements of the Public Sector Act 2009 and Work Health and Safety Act 2012.
 Supporting and advocating Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and diversity in the workplace
in accordance with EEO legislation. In particular, maintaining a commitment to promote an
inclusive workplace in support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other under
represented groups.
Displays a ‘can do’ attitude and is open to change
Understands and analyses what information is important and how it should be used.
Is responsive to learning opportunities and works towards agreed performance standards. Takes positive
action following constructive feedback
Committed to delivery of strong customer service by understanding needs
Provides support to effective financial monitoring, and adheres to procurement and contract procedures
Develops Positive Working Relationships
Listens to and considers different ideas and discusses issues with consideration and care.
Acts sensitively and constructively in conflict situations to prevent escalating the problem.
Shares information and contributes to team discussions
Builds and sustains positive relationships with team members, stakeholders and clients
Communicates messages clearly and concisely
Understands the Need for Professionalism
Adopts behaviour consistent with the principles, values and ethics of the organisation
Provides accurate advice and acknowledges mistakes and learns from them
Works as directed to achieve objectives in difficult circumstances remaining positive and responding in a
calm manner
Seeks feedback from others. Is aware of how behaviour impacts on others. Seeks self development
opportunities
Understands, values and responds to diversity and treats people with respect and courtesy
Maintains safe work practices and wellbeing of self and others