Senior Laboratory Services Officer

Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR); Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) invites applications for a Senior Laboratory Services Officer. The role sits within the Analytical Services Branch, North Ryde and Port Melbourne, providing advanced admin and technical support with a strong scientific background.

Reporting to the Laboratory Services Manager, you will lead operations, supervise staff, coordinate workflows, and ensure accurate reporting of analytical results.

Qualifications

• Weeks: Diploma/degree in a science-related field with relevant analytical lab experience.
• Experience supervising, mentoring and developing staff.
• Understanding of NATA accreditation, quality management systems and lab compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day operational leadership and support to Laboratory Services.
• Supervise and coordinate staff workflows to ensure timely, quality outputs.
• Train and develop Laboratory Services staff for continuous improvement.
• Provide complex admin and technical support for Analytical Services operations.
• Coordinate reporting of analytical results to clients, including LIMS reports.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Analytical chemistry

Quality management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Diploma/Degree in a science-related field

Tools

LIMS

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.

• 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 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 around being Adaptable, Innovative, Accountable, Strategic, Inclusive and Influential. The Analytical Services Branch (ASB) consists of a team of over 100 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). Performing a diverse range of tests (including elements, nutrients, organic contaminants and microbiological parameters). 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 Laboratory Services (LS) team within ASB is a team of approximately twelve staff across two sites – North Ryde and Port Melbourne. The primary responsibility of LS is providing operational, technical and administrative support to the daily activities of the Analytical Services Branch, by receiving and processing incoming samples, liaising with stakeholders and ensuring sample processing is followed correctly from receipt to disposal.

The opportunity

We are excited to offer an opportunity for an experienced and motivated professional to join our Laboratory Services team at North Ryde as a Senior Laboratory Services Officer. Reporting to the Laboratory Services Manager, this role provides advanced administrative and technical support to Analytical Services across the North Ryde and Port Melbourne laboratories. While primarily administrative in nature, the role requires a strong scientific background and a comprehensive understanding of laboratory operations. The position is highly collaborative, involving regular engagement with staff across both sites, and requires the skills, knowledge and capability required at the APS6 level standard.

Our ideal candidate

• A Diploma/Degree in a science-related field and a minimum five years of relevant experience in an analytical laboratory.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, coach and develop staff.
• Demonstrated understanding of NATA accreditation requirements, quality management systems and laboratory compliance standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• High attention to detail, with the ability to work accurately in a fast-paced environment while meeting quality standards and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with ability to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a high-performing team.
• A proactive, flexible and customer-focused approach to service delivery.
• Proven ability to demonstrate NMI values through accountability, adaptability, innovation, inclusion, influence and strategic thinking, while building positive and collaborative workplace relationships.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture while supporting continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Key duties of the position

• Provide day-day operational leadership and support to the Laboratory Services team.
• Assist with staff supervision and workflow co-ordination ensuring quality outputs and timely delivery of results.
• Support the training, mentoring and ongoing development of Laboratory Services staff.
• Provide complex administrative and technical support for Analytical Services operations.
• Coordinating the timely and accurate reporting of analytical results to clients, including LIMS report generation and distribution.
• Building effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders and responding to customer enquiries and service requirements.
• Contributing to operational decision-making, continuous improvement initiatives, and business process enhancements.
• Working collaboratively to achieve service standards and turnaround time targets.
• Supporting change management activities and implementing improvements to service quality and efficiency.Maintaining professional and technical knowledge through ongoing training and development.
• Reviewing, entering, and authorising outsourced laboratory results to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with established procedures.