Senior Research Scientist
Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The National Measurement Institute (NMI) invites applications for a Senior Research Scientist (S&T6) to advance anti-doping analytics. You will develop and validate LC-MS methods, oversee metabolomics work, and translate findings into robust lab outcomes.
Based in Sydney (North Ryde), you will collaborate with international partners, manage projects to milestones, and contribute to publications and reports while ensuring compliance with WADA requirements.
Qualifications
- PhD in analytical chemistry, forensic science, biochemistry or related field is required.
- Proven LC-MS method development and validation experience with biological samples.
- Experience in metabolomics, biomarker discovery and statistical analysis is highly desirable.
- Strong written and verbal communication for reports and publications.
- Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems and accreditation is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Conduct and deliver anti-doping research projects and basic science in bioanalytical sciences.
- Develop, optimise, validate and implement LC-MS methods for biomarkers and prohibited substances.
- Maintain and troubleshoot LC-MS instrumentation ensuring data quality.
- Design experiments and apply statistics to support method development and validation.
- Prepare technical reports, publications and presentations for stakeholders.
- Represent ASDTL/NMI in collaborations and national/international meetings.
Skills
Education
Tools
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.
See the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.
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.
See the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.
The National Measurement Institute (NMI) is Australia’s national measurement authority, delivering world-class, internationally recognised measurement standards, advice and services.
The Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory (ASDTL), as part of the NMI, is the only World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory conducting the testing of athlete samples in the Oceania region as well as conducting research in the field of human sports Anti-Doping. The ASDTL provides testing service to two key clients, Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) and Sport Integrity Commission New Zealand (SICNZ), as well as international sporting federation and Anti-Doping organisation.
The ASDTL is a proactive team that effectively manages diverse tasks under tight deadlines while ensuring delivery of high-quality services to stakeholders is maintained.
It is expected that our ideal candidate will be able to support and promote NMI's vision, mission and business objectives, by actively contributing to the ASDTL’s team goals, strategies and work plans while achieving quality outcomes and adhering to documented procedures.
The position will be based in North Ryde, Sydney at the National Measurement Institute.
The Senior Research Scientist will play a critical role in advancing ASDTL’s research and analytical capabilities through the development, validation and implementation of innovative LC-MS-based methods for anti-doping applications.
Working closely with the Research Manager, the position will undertake industry-focused research in metabolomics, biomarker discovery and the detection of prohibited substances, translating scientific innovation into practical laboratory outcomes that enhance testing quality, efficiency and compliance with WADA requirements.
The role requires expertise in analytical method development, advanced instrumentation, experimental design, statistical data analysis and project delivery, together with the ability to communicate scientific findings through reports, publications, presentations and collaborative engagement with national and international research partners.
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
- access to staff counselling services.
Our ideal candidate will have:
- Demonstrated scientific expertise in the innovative development, optimisation and validation of analytical methods for the analysis of biological fluids (e.g. urine and blood), supported by peer-reviewed publications, research outputs, or equivalent evidence of scientific achievement.
- Demonstrated experience in liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for the analysis of small molecules and biomarkers in complex biological matrices, including instrument operation, troubleshooting, method development and data interpretation. Experience in metabolomics, biomarker discovery and statistical analysis of complex biological datasets is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated understanding and application of statistical principles, including experimental design, method validation, data quality assessment, multivariate analysis, and interpretation of complex analytical datasets to support scientific decision-making.
- Demonstrated ability to independently conduct complex scientific investigations and analyses, applying sound judgement, initiative and problem-solving skills to deliver high-quality outcomes within agreed timelines. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the preparation of technical reports, scientific publications and presentations for a range of scientific and stakeholder audiences.
- Knowledge and understanding of laboratory quality management systems and accreditation requirements, particularly ISO/IEC 17025 and associated quality assurance principles applicable to analytical laboratories.
Our department has a commitment to inclusion and diversity, with an ambition of being the best possible place to work. This reflects the importance we place on our people and on creating a workplace culture where each and every one of us is valued and respected for our contribution. Our ideal candidate adds to this culture and our workplace in their own way.
As a Senior Research Scientist (S&T6), you will work closely with the Research Manager to develop, validate and implement innovative analytical methods that support Anti-Doping testing and research activities, ensuring ASDTL maintains world-class analytical capabilities and compliance with WADA requirements.
- Conduct and deliver research projects in Anti-Doping and bioanalytical sciences, generating novel scientific concepts and developing innovative sample preparation, chromatographic and mass spectrometric approaches for the detection of prohibited substances, biomarkers and emerging threats.
- Develop, optimise, validate and implement LC-MS analytical methods, including metabolomics and biomarker discovery applications, ensuring methods are scientifically robust, fit-for-purpose and aligned with WADA requirements.
- Maintain and troubleshoot advanced analytical instrumentation, including LC-MS/MS and LC-qHRMS systems, ensuring optimal instrument performance, data quality and continuity of analytical and research activities.
- Design experiments, review emerging scientific literature and apply appropriate statistical analyses to support method development, validation and discovery-based research, translating scientific advances into laboratory improvements and new research opportunities.
- Plan, coordinate and deliver research projects to agreed milestones, preparing high-quality scientific reports, method documentation, publications and presentations that effectively communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Represent ASDTL and NMI through scientific collaborations, stakeholder engagement and participation in national and international conferences, meetings and research networks, including domestic and overseas travel as required.
A PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Forensic Science, Biochemistry or a related discipline, with demonstrated experience in industry-based research, LC-MS method development and validation, and the translation of scientific innovation into practical laboratory applications. Experience in anti-doping science, metabolomics, biomarker discovery, and statistical analysis of complex datasets is highly desirable.
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.
The laboratory offers flexible working arrangements but during major sporting events there is an expectation for all staff to work shifts and on weekends or public holidays.
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). There may also be an opportunity for the role to become ongoing in the future, subject to business needs and approval.
Vaccination for Hepatitis B is required for this position. NMI will provide vaccination for the successful applicant if required.
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 offers flexible work arrangements for many roles. However, this position is based in Sydney (North Ryde), with duties primarily performed on site. As a result, opportunities to work flexibly are limited and generally available on an ad hoc basis. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact the contact officer.
For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact ChemBio Recruitment through ***************@measurement.gov.au
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