Senior Scientist - Microplastics & Environmental Forensics

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 128,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking a Temporary Senior Scientist (Environmental Forensics) to apply cutting-edge science to microplastics research and environmental protection in NSW. The role is full-time (35 hours/week), hybrid with an office in Lidcombe, and temporary until 30 June 2027.

Salary ranges from AUD 128,052 to 142,649 plus super. You will review current projects, engage stakeholders, and translate results into actionable insights while

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related discipline, with experience in microplastics analysis and/or knowledge of environmental impacts.
• Ability to design, manage and deliver complex scientific projects with competing priorities, timeframes and quality outcomes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret complex scientific data and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience preparing scientific reports, technical papers, briefings and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement skills across government, academia and industry.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to explain complex scientific concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Review existing project activities related to microplastics and develop a forward research plan.
• Liaise with stakeholders to identify knowledge gaps and inform research directions.
• Translate complex scientific information into practical insights for environmental protection outcomes.
• Mentor and support other scientists within the team.

Skills

Microplastics analysis

Environmental forensics

Analytical chemistry

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Scientific communication

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Education

Chemistry

Environmental Science

Related discipline

Job description

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking a Temporary Senior Scientist (Environmental Forensics) to apply cutting-edge science to microplastics research and environmental protection in NSW. The role is full-time (35 hours/week), hybrid with an office in Lidcombe, and temporary until 30 June 2027.

Salary ranges from AUD 128,052 to 142,649 plus super. You will review current projects, engage stakeholders, and translate results into actionable insights while