Principal Mass Spectrometrist

EL 1 - $120,290 - $129,379 per annum plus superannuation
- Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
- Sydney, NSW

**Who we are**
**Science and Surveillance Group (SSG)** is comprised of scientists, operations and support staff responsible for regulatory advice and training, technical input to biosecurity policy, regulation activity in the Torres Strait and diverse surveillance and diagnostic services around Australia, including animal and plant health surveillance measures under the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy.

**The Plant Pathology Section** supports regulatory decision-making and biosecurity policy settings with plant health diagnostics at the Australian border, scientific expertise, and operational intelligence, working with the department and stakeholders to safeguard Australia from exotic plant diseases and to enable continued agricultural access to improved crop varieties imported through post-entry quarantine.

**The Job**
As the Principal Mass Spectrometrist you will lead the development and implementation of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for biosecurity diagnostics. You’ll manage a small team and provide technical oversight more-broadly, driving the strategic integration of this innovative technology across our laboratories. What you’ll do:

- Staff management: Lead and manage a small team of scientific staff, including recruitment, performance and professional development.
- Diagnostic testing: Conduct, oversee and troubleshoot the use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to identify or diagnose a diverse range of biological samples, including interpretation of results.
- Capability building: Expand the capabilities of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for diagnostic outcomes in biosecurity by sourcing verified samples and leading the creation and sharing of libraries of validated, custom, reference spectra.
- Quality assurance: Lead the development and adoption of quality standards and instructional material for MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and their integration into existing diagnostic workflows.
- Training and development: Develop and lead delivery of technical training for MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry by operational staff, including facilitating change management.
- Strategic implementation: Oversee the deployment of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in our laboratories, including integration into operational policy, planning and informing resource requirements, and reviewing and reporting implementation outcomes.
- Stakeholder engagement: Liaise and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support the deployment of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry as a diagnostic tool for biosecurity.
- Technical innovation: Initiate and lead the development of technical improvements in MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, drawing upon internal expertise and external collaboration, including co-supervision of graduate and post-graduate students.
- Workplace health and safety: Promote a positive WHS culture and contribute to WHS management in the section and nationally.
- Operational excellence: Lead and contributing to strategic initiatives ensuring alignment with departmental objectives and Australian Public Sector (APS) Values, Employment Principles and Code of Conduct.

**Please note** that the role will require travel to other DAFF laboratories, across Australia and potentially offshore. This is a leadership role where your work will directly impact Australia’s biosecurity efforts and agricultural sustainability.

**Please note **that the merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.

**What are we looking for**
**Knowledge and experience**
- Innovation leadership: Experience in leading teams to adopt new work practices, prioritizing operational needs, and resolving issues.
- Technical expertise: Strong experience with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for identifying diverse organisms, including troubleshooting and skill transfer.

**Mandatory qualifications**
Tertiary qualifications in science, with post-graduate specialisation in mass spectrometry; or equivalent based on demonstrated experience and with post-graduate qualifications.

**The successful applicant must**:

- note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work,
- note that you may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work;
- note that you will be required, from time to time, to work in difficult, remote and harsh environments (possibly for extended periods) under limited supervision or in teams,
- wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy,
- wear appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departme