Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference: 835651
Location: 5024 - WEST BEACH
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Opportunity
Join us as a Marine Biotoxin Chemist within the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI).

In this role, you’ll take the lead in managing, coordinating and delivering the operations of the Marine Biotoxin Laboratory — the engine room behind South Australia’s harmful algal bloom (HAB) and biotoxin monitoring and R&D program.

You’ll provide high quality scientific advice, accurate reporting and expert interpretation to guide decisions on shellfish harvesting and aquaculture zones. You will ensure programs meet national accreditation requirements and uphold the highest standards of water quality and food safety. You will also be an integral part of the marine biotoxin research undertaken by the laboratory to underpin key policy and regulatory decision-making.

Supporting the Office for Algal Bloom Research, you’ll contribute to long term, integrated science that strengthens South Australia’s ability to anticipate, understand and respond to HAB events. Your work will help build resilience across our marine ecosystems and support PIRSA’s priorities of sustainable resource management and risk informed decision making.

If you’re passionate about applied marine science and want to play a key role in protecting South Australia’s coastal environments and seafood industries, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

About Us
South Australia is internationally recognised for the quality of its agriculture, food, and wine. Our regions are the backbone of our state and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency working in partnership with our primary industries, regional stakeholders and across all levels of government to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities.

We are a passionate team of around 800 people working across metropolitan and regional South Australia to develop and protect our state’s regions and food, wine, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, grains, livestock, dairy and horticulture industries.

It's no wonder there are so many exciting and diverse career opportunities in our organisation. If you’re ready to join us, apply now!

Benefits
At the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, we offer our employees challenging and rewarding work with opportunities for career progression, learning and development and flexibility.

Our Commitment to Diversity
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.  We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age.

Special Conditions

• Successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Check (NPC) prior to being made an offer of employment.
• Australian residency or current work permit is required (responsibility of applicant to provide evidence of a current work permit).
• Opportunity up to February 2028.
• Full time, 37.5 hours per week.

Requirements

• Possession of a current driver’s licence and willingness to drive.
• Out of hours work and inter / intrastate travel may be required.
• You acknowledge your work, health and safety obligations and our expectations when applying for a role.
• The incumbent will be required to undertake emergency management training and must be willing to participate in emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities required by government agencies.
• The incumbent will be required to contribute to whole-of-agency working groups developing PIRSA policy responses to significant and emerging issues as required.

Remuneration
PO3 - $101,285 min - $107,078 max per annum, plus superannuation.

This role is being advertised during an enterprise bargaining process that may result in updated salaries. Any changes will be applied in line with the outcome of that process.

Additional benefits:

• Free parking available onsite at West Beach
• Hybrid working model with flexible working options to promote work life balance
• Salary sacrificing options available
• Opportunity to advance your career and work with some of the state’s leading experts in research and development to support the primary industries across the state

Enquiries
Associate Professor Sasi Nayar
Program Leader, Aquaculture
Phone: 0428 542 101
Email: sasi.nayar@sa.gov.au

Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au

Application Instructions
To apply, please submit the following documents:

• Your CV/Resume
• A letter of application outlining your skills and experience in relation to the following capabilities in the role description: Professional and Technical Knowledge, Planning and Organising and Achievement Orientation
• A completed Pre Employment Declaration (SA Public Sector)
• Contact details for at least two referees, including your current or most recent manager

All applications must be submitted online. Please refer to the attached applicant instructions for further guidance.

Applications close: 10/03/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Application Guidelines.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description - PO3 Marine Biotoxin Chemist#5.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.