Laboratory Technical Assistant

Nyrstar; Port Pirie; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks annual leave

Subsidised dental care

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Nyrstar in Port Pirie seeks a Laboratory Technical Assistant to support analytical operations in a safety-conscious team. You will conduct chemical and instrumental analyses, operate and calibrate lab equipment, and document results to meet customer requirements while upholding quality standards.

The role emphasizes accuracy, adherence to ISO17025, and collaboration with the Chemist Team Leader to ensure timely, compliant analyses in a dynamic, safety-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a laboratory setting is preferred.
• Strong time-management, organization, and multitasking skills with high attention to detail.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and under pressure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Understanding of laboratory quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform chemical and instrumental analyses to meet customer requirements.
• Operate laboratory equipment following established procedures.
• Calibrate, recalibrate, or normalize laboratory equipment as required.
• Document analytical results in workbooks or pro-forma sheets.
• Submit non-routine analysis requests to the Chemist Team Leader for authorization.
• Adhere to ISO17025 quality standards and site procedures.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Time management

Autonomy

MS Office

Stakeholder engagement

Attention to detail

Quality systems understanding

Education

Year 12 Chemistry

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Laboratory Technical Assistant

Job Posting Date: 25 Oct 2026

Function: Technology

Location: AU

Overview of the Role

A career at Nyrstar offers you the opportunity to work with a globally-recognised leader in mining and smelting, contributing to the production of critical minerals and metals that are essential for a low-carbon future.

We are seeking a Technical Assistant to join our team in Port Pirie. This position plays a vital role in conducting chemical and instrumental analyses to meet customer requirements while ensuring compliance with quality standards and fostering a safe working environment. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and dedicated to maintaining excellent laboratory performance standards.

This is your opportunity to grow with an innovative company that values safety, sustainability, and operational excellence while working in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Analytical Functions

• Perform chemical and instrumental analyses to meet customer requirements.
• Conduct routine and non-routine wet chemical and instrumental analyses as per the Laboratory Quality Manual.
• Operate laboratory equipment following procedures detailed in the Laboratory Quality Manual.
• Perform calibration, recalibration, or normalization of laboratory equipment in accordance with procedural guidelines.
• Document analytical results in workbooks or on standardized pro-forma work sheets.
• Submit completed forms or requests for non-routine analysis to the Chemist Team Leader for authorization.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Ensure all work aligns with the Laboratory Quality Manual and established procedures.
• Adhere to and maintain compliance with ISO17025 quality standards as required.
• Report defective or inaccurate equipment and assist in troubleshooting and resolution processes.
• Ensure irregular analytical results are promptly reported to the Chemist Team Leader.
• Maintain high performance and process standards in compliance with relevant regulations, codes of practice, and site guidelines.

Safety and Risk Management

• Comply with all site and legislative procedures to maintain a safe workplace.
• Take a proactive approach to identify, assess, and eliminate workplace hazards.
• Ensure workplace operations are performed with minimal risk of injury or loss to self or others.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, hygiene, and safety.
• Report all injuries immediately in line with site policies, procedures, and systems.

Health and Rehabilitation Support

• Provide appropriate medical certificates for any illness, injury, or disease.
• Undergo medical examinations and follow medical treatments to enable a safe return to work.
• Participate in rehabilitation programs and assessments regarding capacity, progress, or future employment prospects.
• Comply with responsibilities outlined in Rehabilitation and Return to Work plans or Claims Management strategies, including undertaking suitable alternative duties where required.

About You

To thrive in this role, you’ll need the following qualifications, skills, and experience:

Education & Certifications

• Year 12 Chemistry (preferred but not mandatory).
• Experience in a laboratory setting.
• Strong time-management, organization, and multitasking skills with a high attention to detail.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and under pressure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Understanding of laboratory quality systems.

Key Stakeholders & Relationships

• Sample Mill
• Laboratory Staff

What We Offer

At Nyrstar, we are committed to fostering long-term career development. As a Technical Assistant, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the success of our laboratory operations by performing critical analyses and supporting overall safety, quality, and efficiency.

Key benefits include:

• Competitive salary and relocation assistance if required.
• A dynamic, results-focused work environment.
• Career growth opportunities and development programs.
• Exposure to world-scale industrial processing operations located in the vibrant community of Port Pirie.
• Five weeks of annual leave, subsidised dental care, and access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Ready to Contribute to Our Team? Join Nyrstar today as a Technical Assistant.

About Nyrstar

Nyrstar is an international producer of critical minerals and metals essential for a low carbon future with mining, smelting and other operations located in Europe and Australia. Nyrstar’s operating business is wholly owned by Trafigura, one of the world’s leading independent commodity trading and supply chain logistics companies.

Nyrstar Australia is a national multi-metals processing and refining business, operating in Port Pirie and Hobart for over 100 years to produce lead, silver, zinc, and many other materials that are essential for the manufacture of products used by everyone, every day.

Nyrstar Australia employs over 1,400 people across processing plants in Port Pirie and Hobart that operate as two interlinked sites and play a critical role in increasing the value of the metals and minerals obtained from resources sourced from across Australia and around the world.

Please note you must have unrestricted valid rights to work in Australia. Nyrstar is an equal opportunity employer and supports diversity within its workforce. Nyrstar Port Pirie’s Safety Policy requires clean shaven employees and is a non-smoking site. As a Major Hazard Facility that is subject to SafeWork SA regulations, you may be asked questions regarding your physical attributes to ensure regulatory compliance. Only applicants who progress to the next stage will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in applying for a position at Nyrstar.