CRL Technical Manager / Science Officer - Health Physics Measurements

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + 15.4% super

Flexible work practices

Free parking at Yallambie site

Job summary

ARPANSA invites applications for the CRL Technical Manager / Science Officer - Health Physics Measurements based in Yallambie, VIC. The role focuses on complex gamma-ray spectrometry using HPGe and NaI systems, supporting the CTBT Radionuclide Laboratory (CRL) and CTBTO objectives.

You will measure radioactivity in environmental samples, contribute to quality assurance under ISO 17025, maintain records, and prepare technical reports while collaborating with a small scientific team.

Qualifications

• Practical knowledge of the techniques, procedures and systems for the measurement and analysis of radionuclides in environmental samples by gamma-ray spectrometry.
• Demonstrated understanding of ISO 17025 QA principles and maintaining laboratory accreditation.
• Ability to collaborate across teams and deliver high-quality technical documentation and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Perform gamma-ray spectrometry analyses on environmental samples.
• Support and maintain quality assurance programs and records for ISO 17025.
• Provide scientific support within a small team measuring radionuclides and developing analytical techniques.
• Contribute to broader programs and projects, potentially involving domestic or international travel.

Skills

Gamma-ray spectrometry

Quality Assurance ISO 17025

Customer service

Team collaboration

Travel interstate

Education

Physical sciences degree

Tools

HPGe spectrometry systems

NaI spectrometry systems

Job description

CRL Technical Manager / Science Officer - Health Physics Measurements

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency – Yallambie VIC

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is the Australian Government's primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety. Our purpose is to protect the Australian people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation, through understanding risks, best practice regulation, research, policy, services, partnerships and engaging with the community.

Our organisation

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is the Australian Government's primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety. Our purpose is to protect the Australian people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation, through understanding risks, best practice regulation, research, policy, services, partnerships and engaging with the community.

Section overview

The Environmental & Health Services group is responsible for ARPANSA’s laboratories, field measurement capabilities (including emergency response) and networks that are required for the measurement of radiation in people and the environment.This includes maintenance of ARPANSA’s radiation emergency response capabilities and networks, and management of the Australian laboratory under contract to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).

What we offer

• Values and behaviours that underpin a culture characterised by commitment, respect, delivery, inclusion and collegiality.
• Opportunities to engage with national and international stakeholders, in a context that values leading practice science.
• The opportunity to pursue your interests while contributing to the Australian community.
• A commitment to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals and harness a collaborative environment. We actively encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds.
• Great working conditions including competitive salaries with 15.4% superannuation, generous leave conditions, flexible work practices, modern amenities, and free parking at both our Yallambie and Miranda sites.

To find out more about the employment conditions at ARPANSA, please refer to our Enterprise Agreement via our website.

Primary purpose of the role

The primary purpose of the role is to perform complex gamma-ray spectrometry analysis and reporting utilising High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) and Sodium Iodide (NaI) systems. Provide various training and coordination tasks to support and maintain the operations and quality systems in the CTBT Radionuclide Laboratory (CRL) whilst focussing on delivering excellent customer service for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).

In collaboration with a small team of scientific and technical staff, you will be responsible for measuring radioactivity in environmental samples and radiological surveillance of the Australian Environment.

You will contribute to the implementation of quality assurance programs (based around ISO 17025 quality management principles), including the maintenance of records, and preparation of technical reports.

Key accountabilities

• Under limited direction and using standard techniques and methods, perform a range of moderately complex tasks associated with day-to-day laboratory activities focused on the analyses of environmental samples by gamma-ray spectrometry.
• Manage the development and maintenance of a quality assured measurement service and ensure data analyses, validation and reports meet relevant standards.
• Provide scientific support in a small team of scientific and technical staff measuring radionuclides in environmental samples and developing analytical techniques.
• Contribute to broader scientific programs and projects, undertaken in the laboratory and in the field, including roles defined in the Australian Government Radiological and Nuclear Events Plan (AUSRNEPLAN) and ARPANSA’s Framework for Monitoring and Assessment of Radiation in the Australian Environment in support of ARPANSA’s wider obligations, which may involve domestic or international travel.

Our ideal candidate - job specific capabilities

To be considered for this position, you must possess a physical sciences degree from an Australian University or comparable qualification, including an in-depth knowledge and practical experience in gamma-ray spectrometry and laboratory quality systems.

You require well-developed problem-solving skills to perform complex analyses and confidently make sound decisions and recommendations. Demonstrating initiative and discretion over a broad range of activities will be critical to your success, along with an ability to effectively collaborate across teams and manage resources.

You must hold Australian citizenship and be prepared to travel interstate from time to time as required. ARPANSA requires all new employees to obtain and maintain a national security clearance as a condition of engagement. You must also meet required pre-employment checks as necessary.

Selection criteria

The selection criteria for this role are:

• Practical knowledge of the techniques, procedures and systems for the measurement and analysis of radionuclides in environmental samples by gamma-ray spectrometry.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the principles of Quality Assurance established under ISO 17025 and their practical application in maintaining the laboratory’s NATA accreditation.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, build and sustain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, focusing on delivering a high level of customer service.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate ideas with colleagues and maintain high-quality technical documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement, independently manage competing priorities, and adapt to changing operational requirements while maintaining quality outcomes.

Eligibility

Employment with ARPANSA is subject to:

• conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999
• agency and role specific pre-employment security checks that may include, but are not limited to:
  • entitlement to work in Australian
  • national criminal history
  • international criminal history
  • professional memberships
  • qualifications
  • sanctions
  • anti-money laundering & counter-terrorism financing
  • ASIC banned & disqualified persons
  • ASIC credit registered persons
  • bankruptcy & national personal insolvency
  • directorship
  • global media check
• former Australian Government employer information sharing
• Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) security clearance eligibility requirements
• evidence of citizenship status required
• evidence of qualifications required of the role
• internal security assessment
• security clearance vettingthe CEO of ARPANSA, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.

The Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website provides detailed information about the requirements for obtaining a security clearance at the required level, the documentary evidence you will be required to provide, the forms that need to be completed, and the relevant timeframes. Please ensure that you are able to provide the required evidence if you apply for the position. Failure or refusal to complete the required forms, or to comply with reasonable requests from AGSVA, will result in ARPANSA withdrawing your security clearance application, and your employment with the agency not progressing.

ARPANSA is responsible for assessing how information relates to the agency’s security risks, as well as a person’s suitability for employment by the agency. ARPANSA will use the information you provide to undertake relevant checks in order to identify any factors or circumstances that pose a security risk to the agency and assess whether you are suitable to have access to the agencies non-public assets. You will be notified if you are assessed as unsuitable for employment by the agency.