Laboratory Assistant Manager — Analytical Chemistry & Quality

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Port Melbourne location

Job summary

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources – Port Melbourne VIC is seeking an Assistant Manager for the Food and Health Laboratory (Chemistry). The role leads the laboratory team, drives QA, method development and compliance with accreditation standards, and partners with regulators and stakeholders to ensure high-quality analytical outputs.

You will oversee operations, budgeting and strategic planning, while supporting recruitment and capability development in a dynamic scientific

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership and people management in scientific setting.
• Analytical chemistry knowledge, lab operations, validation and quality systems.
• Instrumentation and classical chemistry experience.
• Strong ISO/IEC 17025 understanding and quality governance.
• Ability to manage complex technical, quality and regulatory issues with evidence-based judgement.
• Experience in project management, budgeting and resource planning.
• Stakeholder engagement, negotiations and clear written communication.
• Ability to interpret legislation, accreditation requirements and policies.
• Experience in quality assurance, audits and corrective actions.
• Strategic thinking with change management and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and operational management within the laboratory and contribute to strategic planning.
• Coordinate workflows, priorities and resources to meet objectives.
• Lead scientific, technical and administrative staff with coaching and performance management.
• Provide high-level scientific and technical advice on complex analytical chemistry and quality matters.
• Oversee ISO/ IEC 17025 accreditation, QA systems, audits and corrective actions.
• Manage technical projects, method development and validation, and lab improvements.
• Plan resources and expenditure; prepare reports and recommendations.
• Negotiate outcomes with regulators and stakeholders; maintain productive relationships.
• Support recruitment, succession planning and capability development.
• Promote safety, inclusion and a customer-focused culture.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Analytical chemistry

Quality governance

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance

Decision making

Communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in chemistry or related discipline

Experience in accredited analytical lab

Job description

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources – Port Melbourne VIC is seeking an Assistant Manager for the Food and Health Laboratory (Chemistry). The role leads the laboratory team, drives QA, method development and compliance with accreditation standards, and partners with regulators and stakeholders to ensure high-quality analytical outputs.

You will oversee operations, budgeting and strategic planning, while supporting recruitment and capability development in a dynamic scientific