Project Scientist - CRM

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources; Ryde; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15.4% employer superannuation

4 weeks annual leave

18 days personal leave

Maternity and paternity leave

Flexible working arrangements

Salary packaging

Staff counselling services

Job summary

The National Measurement Institute (NMI) in North Ryde, NSW, is seeking a Senior/Technical Scientist (S&T4) to support the analysis and re-certification of certified reference materials used by anti-doping and forensic laboratories. The role involves preparing, analysing, and evaluating CRMs, following established SOPs, and maintaining traceable records.

You will work under supervision to assist method validation, quality control, and continuous improvement, delivering reliable measurements for

Qualifications

• Knowledge of laboratory environments with practical experience or familiarity with analytical chemistry techniques such as gas and liquid chromatography, Karl Fischer, and thermogravimetric analysis.
• Experience maintaining accurate record keeping and quality systems knowledge (ISO 17025/17034) is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Perform stability trials and analytical testing using established methods (e.g. chromatography).
• Record, verify, investigate, and interpret analytical data with traceability.
• Update Excel workbooks and Certificates of Analysis for review by senior staff.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and perform routine calibration checks.
• Support audits and quality assurance activities.
• Contribute to method development and validation under supervision.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Gas chromatography

Liquid chromatography

Karl Fischer

Thermogravimetric analysis

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources – Ryde NSW

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 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

The National Measurement Institute (NMI) is the Australian Government’s authority on measurement, responsible for maintaining and advancing Australia’s measurement system. NMI delivers world-class measurement standards, products and services that underpin confidence in trade, regulation and scientific research, with international recognition of its standards and capabilities.

Within NMI, the Chemical and Biological Metrology Branch develops and delivers chemical and biological measurement standards, including certified reference materials and proficiency testing programs that support laboratory quality and performance. The Chemical Reference Materials section focuses on the production and certification of high-quality organic reference materials for calibration, supporting critical sectors such as sports doping control, forensic science, environmental and food testing, ensuring alignment with international best practice and accreditation requirements. It is expected that our ideal candidate will support and promote NMI’s vision, mission and business objectives, by actively contributing to the team’s goals, strategies and work schedule while achieving quality outcomes and adhering to documented procedures.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Scientist, this S&T 4 role supports the analysis and re-certification of certified reference materials (CRMs) within the Chemical Reference Materials section. You will contribute to the delivery of globally recognised reference materials used by (but not limited to) World Anti-Doping Agency accredited laboratories and forensic laboratories to ensure accuracy, comparability, and confidence in their analytical results.

Working under general supervision, you will apply established laboratory techniques and standard operating procedures to prepare, analyse, and evaluate the demonstrated stability of CRMs. The role involves routine data analysis, quality control activities, and maintaining accurate records to support traceable and defensible measurements. You will also assist with method validation, continuous improvement activities, and the upkeep of laboratory equipment and systems.

As an S&T 4 project scientist, you will work collaboratively within a team environment and provide practical technical support to laboratory activities. You will assist in delivering analytical measurement capabilities by following established procedures and contributing to quality and compliance requirements. The role supports national and international stakeholders by helping ensure the reliability of chemical measurements used in anti-doping, forensic, food testing, and environmental testing applications.

This position is offered as a non-ongoing role for an initial period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension for up to a further 6 months (18 months total), subject to operational requirements, funding and performance.

What’s in it for you?

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
• flexible working arrangements such as teleworking, part time and job sharing where possible
• salary packaging which allows you to make certain payments using your pre-tax salary
• access to staff counselling services.

Our ideal candidate

Knowledge of laboratory environments with practical experience or familiarity with analytical chemistry techniques such as gas and liquid chromatography, Karl Fischer, and thermogravimetric analysis.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality, with demonstrated experience maintaining accurate record keeping.
• Effective analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assist with method development and validation and identify opportunities for on‑going improvements under guidance and supervision.
• An understanding of measurement science, quality systems, and laboratory accreditation frameworks (e.g. ISO 17034, ISO/IEC 17025).
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and the ability to perform routine calculations for measurement uncertainty determination.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to contribute to Quality System documentation and report writing.

The key duties of the position include:

• Perform stability trials and analytical testing using established methods (e.g. chromatography and related techniques).
• Accurately record, verify, investigate, and interpret analytical data in accordance with quality standards and traceability requirements.
• Update and submit Excel workbooks and Certificates of Analysis to senior staff for review.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, including basic troubleshooting, conducting routine performance checks, and calibration activities in accordance with established procedures and instructions.
• Follow laboratory quality systems and procedures to support compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 17034.
• Assist with audits and quality assurance activities.

Eligibility

A Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or equivalent.

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

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.

The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. However, this position is based in NSW - Sydney - North Ryde and is laboratory-based, requiring the successful candidate to work on site. Any work-from-home arrangements would be limited to ad hoc circumstances and subject to manager approval.

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. Our reconciliation vision supports a workforce with opportunities and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The vision allows them to feel empowered and helps to ensure that the department and broader community can benefit from the knowledge and experience of Australia’s First Peoples. 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. The department wants to give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their full potential during a recruitment process. We encourage candidates who require any adjustments or support as part of the recruitment process to reach out and discuss them with the job’s contact officer. Candidates are also welcome to contact our Inclusion team at *********@industry.gov.au for a confidential discussion if you identify from any of these diverse backgrounds and would like to discuss how we can support you.