Organic Senior Analyst

Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR); Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer superannuation

4 weeks annual leave

18 days personal leave

Maternity and paternity leave

Job summary

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) invites applications for an Organic Senior Analyst within the Organic Chemistry Laboratory at NMI North Ryde. You will lead a team to analyze environmental, food and pharmaceutical samples for organic residues, including pesticides, PFAS, growth promotants, antibiotics and steroids.

The role requires substantial lab experience with GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS, method development and QA/QC, plus the ability to manage projects and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Significant laboratory experience in organic residue analysis.
• Experience supervising and training staff and managing workflows.
• Experience with GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS and QA/QC in a regulated lab.

Responsibilities

• Use and manage GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS to maintain laboratory operations.
• Lead method development projects with defined plans and milestones.
• Supervise analysts performing routine sample prep and data processing.
• Interpret complex analytical data and resolve technical issues.
• Provide technical advice to internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.

Skills

GC-MS/MS

LC-MS/MS

QA/QC principles

Staff supervision

Analytical data interpretation

Stakeholder communication

Process improvement

Tools

GC-MS/MS

LC-MS/MS

Job description

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

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. We also work closely with the tertiary education sector in Australia and have a number of international stakeholders.

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 and will possess the skills and experience required at the APS6 work level standard. 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

Our ideal candidate

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

Key duties of the position include, but are not limited to:

• 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.