• Sydney
• Applications close 30 October 2024

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 Chemical Reference Values team is a team of 15 scientists that develop high accuracy reference methods. These are used in the certification of matrix reference materials and for assignment of values to samples produced for their proficiency testing programs.


This position reports to a Senior Scientist and works closely in the delivery of certified reference materials and reference values to the highest metrological standard. The position also involves ensuring that quality and safety standards are maintained in the delivery of this work.

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:

• A degree in chemistry or related discipline
• Experience in organic analytical chemistry and its application using metrological principles.
• Working knowledge of relevant quality standards including ISO 17025 and ISO 17034
• Experience in the provision of reference values for organic analytes using high accuracy methods, with a knowledge of measurement uncertainty and metrological traceability of chemical measurements.
• Demonstrated experience in method development using gas and/or liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry.
• Skills in MS Office, particularly Word and Excel
• A work approach and behaviours aligned with NMI Values of inclusive, innovative, accountable, adaptable, influential, and strategic.

Ideal candidates will have personal drive and integrity in the context of the APS values, NMI values (Inclusive, Innovative, Accountable, Adaptable, Influential and Strategic) and code of conduct.
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

As the project scientist you will:

• Develop and apply high accuracy reference methods for the mass fraction of organic compounds in environmental, food, and biological matrices
• Produce and characterise matrix reference materials and proficiency testing samples
• Operate, maintain, optimise, and troubleshoot GCMS and/or LCMS instrumentation
• Prepare complex written reports and present scientific results to stakeholders
• Promotion of the NMI by engaging with stakeholders, contributing to publications, and conference attendance.

Eligibility

A Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) qualification ideally in chemistry and at least 12 months experience in analytical organic chemistry.

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

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


The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is NSW - Sydney 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 recruitment@industry.gov.au or (02) 6276 1235 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 Mark Lewin on 02 9449 0305 or via email on mark.lewin@measurement.gov.au

How to apply: