Sample Receipt and Processing Officer, Science

• Sydney
• Applications close 25 May 2025
• Salary Range: $78,770 - $85,027

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 National Measurement Institute (NMI) is the Australian Government's national measurement authority. We play an important role in the Australian economy. NMI does this by leading, maintaining and regulating Australia's measurement system.

We deliver world-class measurement products, advice and client services. NMI also administers the regulatory framework for measurement. Our national measurement standards are internationally recognised. We work to enhance and maintain these standards.

We value the different skills, knowledge and perspectives our employees bring. NMI provides all employees with learning and development opportunities. We work to give everyone an equal opportunity to contribute and progress.

The Chemical and Biological Metrology Branch provides measurement standards such as certified reference materials, these include pure chemicals, gas standards, matrix materials and DNA standards. The branch also co-ordinates proficiency testing programs to assist laboratories assess their ongoing quality and performance. The branch houses three of Australia's national testing laboratories for anti-doping, forensic drugs and ultra-trace analysis. The branch delivers services across all of these fields and carries out research and development to enhance our capabilities in line with national and international requirements.

The Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory (ASDTL), as part of the National Measurement Institute, is the only World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory conducting the testing of athlete samples in the Oceania region as well as conducting research in the field of human sports anti-doping. The ASDTL provides testing service to two key clients, Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) and Sport Integrity Commission New Zealand (SICNZ), as well as international sporting federation and anti-doping organisation.

The ASDTL is a proactive team that effectively manages diverse tasks under tight deadlines while ensuring delivery of high-quality services to stakeholders is maintained.

It is expected that our ideal candidate will be able to support and promote NMI's vision, mission and business objectives, by actively contributing to the ASDTL's team goals, strategies and work plans while achieving quality outcomes and adhering to documented procedures.

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:

• Demonstrated experience in sample preparation and/or extraction used in an analytical chemistry laboratory (essential)
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability work with chain of custody protocols and the ability to identify and mitigate risks that will impact on own and teamwork outcomes (essential)
• Working knowledge of the ISO 17025 accreditation requirements, WADA International Standard for Laboratories and technical documents related to operations of laboratory, chain of custody and reporting of results (desirable)
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills and ability to work productively in a team and independently to ensure smooth workflow for the laboratory team, while maintaining positive and professional rapport with staff
• Experience in the use of laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and/or other related laboratory database systems (e.g. chemical inventory), and the ability to operate in a paperless laboratory (desirable)

Our department has a commitment to inclusion and diversity, with an ambition of being the best possible place to work. This reflects the importance we place on our people and on creating a workplace culture where each and every one of us is valued and respected for our contribution. Our ideal candidate adds to this culture and our workplace in their own way.

What you will do

Using the laboratory information management system (LIMS) Sample Manager and following applicable laboratory policies and procedures in line with ISO/IEC 17025 and WADA requirements, your key duties as a Sample Receipt and Processing Officer within ASDTL are:

• Sample Receipt: Register and receive samples, perform sample handling and sample labelling (e.g. vials, tubes, etc.)
• Sample Processing: Ensure sample integrity and chain of custody is maintained, initiate and follow up on anomalies raised and correspond with client as required. Aliquot samples for analysis, and operate and maintain equipment such as the Janus robotic platform
• Sample Management: Maintain accountability for the sample chain of custody using electronic documentation from initial receipt to final disposal
• Sample Reporting: Assist team lead in client liaison, reporting and following up on teams within ASDTL to
  meet key performance indicators such as turnaround times
• Inventory: Perform stocktake of consumables used within the sample preparation team and place order when required
• Staff Development and Training: Contribute to the training and guidance of new and junior staff in relation to Laboratory Services functions, monitoring their progress and ensuring training documentation is completed
• Documentation: Develop and maintain relevant knowledge in relation to procedures and equipment

Eligibility

A Bachelor of Science degree or Diploma in a Science related field, with 3 years of relevant work experience in a scientific field is desirable.

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

A merit pool may be established to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing Science and Technical 4 stream (S&T4) vacancies, should they become available within 18 months from the date advertised.

This role is conducted on site and as such there is limited capacity to work flexibly outside of an ad-hoc basis. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss further

The laboratory offers flexible working arrangements but during major sporting events there is an expectation for all staff to work shifts and on weekends or public holidays.

Vaccination for Hepatitis B is required for this position. NMI will provide the vaccination for the successful applicant if required.

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 500 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 ChemBio Recruitment via email on ***************

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