Organic Senior Analyst in Ryde

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.

About the team

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 on being Adaptable, Innovative, Accountable, Strategic, Inclusive and Influential.

The Analytical Services Branch consists of a team of over 70 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). 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.

The opportunity

The role of Organic Senior Analyst resides within the Organic Chemistry Laboratory at NMI North Ryde. The Organic Senior Analyst is responsible for leading, providing technical expertise, and exercising sound judgement in overseeing trace level testing for organic residues across a large variety of samples. The senior analyst must have significant experience in a laboratory environment, be proficient in various preparation techniques and sample analysis using specialized laboratory equipment and instruments. The position, reporting to the Organics Laboratory Manager, is primarily responsible for leading a team of organic analysts to analyze environmental, food and pharmaceutical samples for organic residues that include pesticides, PFAS, growth promotants, antibiotics and steroids. The role further requires undertaking sophisticated method development using GC/MS/MS and LC/MS/MS.

What’s in it for you?

The role operates with a high degree of independence within established frameworks and is expected to provide expert technical advice, resolve complex analytical issues, and contribute to continuous improvement and organisational outcomes. 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

Skills, knowledge, and personal traits required for the role:

• Knowledge and practical experience of organic residue analysis using complex modern instruments (such as GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS), including sound knowledge of QA/QC principles and practices within a NATA accredited laboratory
• Demonstrated method development and validation using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS, including report and method writing
• Demonstrated experience in supervising, motivating and training staff, including setting of priorities and managing workflows
• Proven ability to solve complex problems, interpret analytical data and provide defensible conclusions and recommendations, supported by excellent organisational and communication skills that drive process improvement and efficiencies.
• Demonstrated ability to consistently exhibit the NMI values of being adaptable, accountable, innovative, inclusive, influential and strategic
• Ability to build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships and communicate technical information clearly to diverse audiences

This position requires you to hold a Bachelors Degree in a relevant specialty, with relevant industry experience preferred.

The key duties of the position include:

• Use and manage complex scientific instrumentation, specifically GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS to maintain laboratory operations.
• Manage and lead technical method development projects.
• Develop project plans that specify resource requirements, decision points and milestones.
• Track progress against plans, ensure projects reach completion and report outcomes.
• Supervise and motivate a team of analysts involved in routine sample preparation and data processing, ensuring quality outputs and timely delivery of results.
• Exercise sound judgement in the interpretation of complex analytical data and resolve technical and operational issues.
• Provide technical advice and engage with internal and external stakeholders, including clients and regulatory bodies, to support decision-making and compliance outcomes.
• Liaise and coordinate with the Technical Development, Management and ICT teams to achieve common goals.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement initiatives to enhance analytical capability, efficiency, and service delivery.
• Commit to continued professional development and maintain up-to-date knowledge of technical and regulatory requirements.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with team members, contributing to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

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 role is conducted on site (North Ryde, Sydney at the National Measurement Institute) and as such there is limited capacity to work flexibly outside of an ad-hoc basis. 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.

Getting to know the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)

The department’s Enterprise Agreement and policies provide for a flexible working environment to assist staff balance their work and home life. Staff and managers work together to balance the operating needs of the department with the needs of the individual. Options may include full time/part time working arrangements, working from home or other arrangements. Our employees say they recommend our department as a good place to work. Our workplace is one that encourages and supports all employees to have a sense of belonging and a culture that allows them to bring their authentic selves to work every day. We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, nationalities and backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, mature age, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people of the LGBTIQA+ community and people with disability.