The Organics Section conducts chemical analyses on a wide range of samples (ie. water, soil, food and pharmaceuticals) for a diverse range of trace organic tests such as veterinary compounds and environmental compounds (eg PFAS and pesticides).

We provide analytical services and technical expertise for both private and government clients across the environmental, food and health sectors.  We enable these sectors to meet their business, research and regulatory compliance needs.

Our ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate will have contemporary experience in an environmental or food/pharma laboratory environment. They will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in a scientific field (ideally chemistry) and a minimum of 5 years relevant experience
• Demonstrated operational leadership and supervision of a scientific service delivery business (ideally agricultural contaminant or environmental laboratory) in a high throughput environment.
• Knowledge and practical experience with the operation and maintenance of complex modern instruments (such as LC/MS/MS and GC/MS/MS), including sound knowledge of QA/QC principles and practices within a NATA accredited laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience with method development and validation of trace organic tests in a variety of matrices.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising, motivating and training staff, including setting of priorities and managing workflows.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills to help drive process improvement and efficiencies.
• Ability to prioritise and manage concurrent tasks in a dynamic team work environment.

What you will do

You will operate and troubleshoot major organic analysis instruments, ensuring high standards for quality and timely services. You will contribute to the activities of the Organics Section and broader NMI. Key functions and roles for this position include:

• Operate and maintain GC/MS/MS and/or LC/MS/MS instrumentation.
• Validate new methods for GC/MS/MS and/or LC/MS/MS instruments including producing documentation to NATA standard.
• Supervise and motivate a team of analysts involved in routine and non-routine sample preparation and data processing.
• Follow processes and maintain quality outputs.
• Identify, plan and implement key projects to improve quality, reduce cost and increase productivity.
• Commit to continued professional development and keep up to date with regulatory requirements.
• Liaise and coordinate with the Technical Development, Management and ICT teams to achieve common goals.
• Provide accurate and specialised advice including anticipating problems and contributing to issues management.
• Identify risks, problems or potential causes for delay, and offer solutions to the Section Manager.
• Contribute to the Section WH&S and Quality Systems, including reviewing and updating documents and calibrations.
• Build and sustains positive relationships with team members
• Assist with building and strengthening a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Lead by example and show integrity by being honest, transparent and accountable.

Eligibility

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, applicants must be Australian Citizens.

Security Clearance

This position requires a Baseline security clearance. The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

How to apply

Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. Applications containing classified information may not be considered by the selection panel.

You are required to complete your application online. Provide a pitch explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role and why you are the best candidate for the position. Your pitch can contain no more than 5000 characters (approximately 750 words) and should align to the job description.

You are also required to provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format). Please ensure your CV is no longer than 4 pages.

Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact recruitment@industry.gov.au or (02) 6276 1235 if you require assistance with your application.

Contact information

For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact via email at [email available after registering below] or via phone on 02 9449 0171.

Learn more about the department

The department’s Enterprise Agreement and policies provide for a flexible working environment to assist staff balance their work and home life. Staff and managers work together to balance the operating needs of the work unit with the needs of the individual. Options may include full time/part time working arrangements, working from home or other arrangements as agreed by all parties.

The department is committed to a workplace culture that is respectful, inclusive, and diverse, where all employees have a sense of belonging and can bring their authentic whole selves to work every day. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, mature age, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse people and people of the LGBTIQA+ community, including transgender, gender diverse, and intersex people. Please contact our Inclusion team at inclusion@industry.gov.au for a confidential discussion if you identify from any of these diverse backgrounds and would like to discuss this in more detail.

Please refer to our Applying for a position information for additional information on how to apply.

Select the links on the left-hand side of the page for more useful information about a career with the department.