Laboratory Services Officer

**Job no**: 512208

**Employment type**: Ongoing

**Location**: Melbourne, Canberra

**Categories**: APS Level 5, Administration, Customer service, Call centre

**About the department**:
The department plays a key role in the Australian Government’s agenda to create jobs and build a stronger, more resilient and competitive economy. Our work builds on Australia’s existing strengths, supports businesses to grow, and drives new opportunities for long-term productivity growth and prosperity. The success of the department helps Australia recover from the economic consequences of COVID‑19 and adapt to its ongoing effects. Through our work, we support the government’s economic recovery plan and help to deliver a better future for all Australians.

**About the National Measurement Institute**:
The National Measurement Institute (NMI) is a large division within the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR). The NMI supports DISR in meeting its objectives by being the national authority of measurement.

We are the Australian Government’s national authority on measurement. We play an important role in the Australian economy by leading, maintaining and regulating Australia’s measurement system. We deliver world-class measurement products, advice and client services and administer the regulatory framework for measurement. Our national measurement standards are recognised internationally and we work to enhance and maintain these standards.

We value the different skills, knowledge and perspectives our employees bring. We’re committed to giving everyone an equal opportunity to participate, contribute and progress. Our values and behaviours centre around being Adaptable, Innovative, Accountable, Strategic, Inclusive and Influential.

**About the Branch**:
The Analytical Services Branch consists of a team of over 100 staff based in North Ryde and Port Melbourne. We are responsible for conducting chemical and biological measurement on a wide range of samples (including water, soil, food and pharmaceuticals). Performing a diverse range of tests (including elements, nutrients, organic contaminants and microbiological parameters). We provide analytical solutions and technical expertise for a large set of private sector and government clients across the environmental, food and health sectors, enabling them to meet their business, research and regulatory compliance needs. We also work closely with the tertiary education sector in Australia and have a number of international stakeholders. The Australian Ultra Trace Laboratory, AUTL, is a highly specialised laboratory operating advanced instrumentation to provide world class capabilities for environmental contaminants such as dioxins and PFAS.

We are excited to be offering a role based at Port Melbourne that will focus on laboratory services. Primary focusses are providing administrative support for the laboratories (Food & Health Chemical, Food & Health Biological), ensuring good service delivery outcomes and operational process improvements. Whilst this role is more of an administrative nature a comprehensive scientific background and knowledge of laboratory operations is required. The Laboratory Services Officer role is highly collaborative, engaging with staff across these labs and the associated support functions on the site. We need to build more efficient work management systems and new capabilities to improve our delivery and offer.
- Demonstrate a history of high performance in a large and complex laboratory environment. This includes data entry, customer service experience, service delivery, technical aspects and process improvement.
- Have the ability to build collaborative relationships with people undertaking a variety of roles at multiple levels in the workplace is critical.
- Be capable of providing positive influence and lead process improvement utilising strong communication and ICT skills.
- Have tertiary qualifications in a scientific field or a minimum of 3 years relevant experience.

NMI is seeking a person who will bring a positive energy, exemplifying our Values. A solid knowledge of the principles of Good Laboratory Practice and laboratory Work Health & Safety are also essential to this role.

**What you will do**:
Providing technical and administrative support to the Analytical Services Branch through sample management, reporting and client liaison to internal and external stakeholders.

You will report to the Laboratory Services Manager at Port Melbourne with accountabilities extending to all parts of the Port Melbourne and North Ryde Analytical Services and AUTL laboratory operations.

There will be significant opportunity for personal development and to engage with broader NMI activities.

In this role you will:

- Carry out complex administrative tasks and technical support to NMI Port Melbourne
- Supervise the Laboratory Services team and provide assistance when the Section Manager is absent
- Contribute to the setting of the