Analytical Chemist

About the Department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government's economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people's lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia's future.

Please see the APSC's APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the team

The Chemical and Biological Metrology Branch of the National Measurement Institute provides certified reference materials of DNA and RNA, pure chemicals, gas standards and chemicals in various matrices. The branch also co-ordinates proficiency testing programs to assist laboratories assess their ongoing quality and performance and includes Australia's national testing laboratories for anti-doping, forensic drugs and ultra-trace analysis. We deliver services for the health, food, environment and energy sectors and continuously enhance our capabilities in line with national and international requirements.

The Bioanalysis Section of the Branch contributes to Australia's expanding needs in genetic measurement by providing technical support and genetic reference materials within Australia and internationally. This dynamic team is expanding due to our unique capabilities for accurate measurement of RNA and DNA thus we need a highly motivated analytical scientist to continue our high-quality work.

The opportunity

The position will primarily be involved with instrumental analyses of RNA and DNA and is integral in developing standards for biotherapeutics, diagnostics, food and environmental applications. The team has sophisticated analytical instruments including capillary HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS, capillary electrophoresis and digital PCR that we use for measuring the amount, identity and purity of nucleic acids for establishing traceability to the International System of Units. We also produce oligonucleotides for health emergency preparedness.

What's in it for you?

Working at NMI means you are joining one of the world leaders in measurement science. NMI has a diverse range of roles and priorities that will enable you to learn new skills and expand your career in interesting and exciting ways. As part of the department, employees at NMI are covered by the relevant enterprise agreement and benefits include:

• 15.4% employer superannuation contribution
• 4 weeks annual leave per year
• 18 days paid personal leave per year.
• maternity and paternity leave
• a vacation care subsidy
• $235 healthy lifestyle subsidy
• flexible working arrangements such as teleworking, part time and job sharing where possible
• salary packaging which allows you to make certain payments using your pre-tax salary
• access to study assistance
• access to staff counselling services.

Our ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Expert level knowledge of quantitative chemical and biochemical analysis techniques and the use and maintenance of scientific instruments
• Specialist knowledge of the structure and function of nucleic acids and/or proteins and how their physical properties affect analytical techniques
• Expert level knowledge in validation of analytical techniques
• High level communication skills especially in producing written reports that need little or no revision before finalisation
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage project plans, including evaluation reporting
• Demonstrated ability to work co-operatively and effectively in a team environment, together with the ability to pursue tasks to a satisfactory conclusion in an efficient and effective manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently under limited direction to deliver quality outcomes against established priorities
• An understanding of Quality Assurance and Quality Systems principles and practices.
• Knowledge of and experience in computer applications relating to data manipulation and scientific instrumentation and familiarity with laboratory data systems and Microsoft Office programs.

What you will do

The main functions of the position are to:

• Deliver high quality quantitative and qualitative measurements of biochemicals such as DNA, RNA and/or proteins and amino acids using LC-MS techniques
• Develop and validate new methods for quantitative analysis of biologically important chemicals
• Produce oligonucleotides using an automated synthesiser
• operate and maintain (including calibration) scientific instruments including HPLC, LC-MS and oligonucleotide synthesiser
• liaise with internal and external suppliers and customers
• contribute to maintenance of a safe workplace through regular workplace inspections
• carry out genetic analyses for projects as needed including analysis of human blood.
• ensure adequate supplies of reagents and materials are maintained to enable the section to meet business goals and to record these activities in a computer-based systems

Eligibility

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

Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Notes

This position focusses on HPLC and LC-MS analyses so qualifications and experience in analytical or physical chemistry or instrumental analysis would be advantageous.

A vaccination for Hepatitis B or serology immunity testing is recommended for thus role and may be provided.

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.

The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is NSW - Sydney - Lindfield based, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Application information

Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information.

Please 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 750 words and should align to the key duties listed above.

Please complete your application online and provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format).

Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact  or if you require assistance with your application.

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

Contact Information

For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Daniel Burke via email on

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