Team Leader

Queensland Government; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Queensland Government's Chemistry Centre is seeking a Team Leader (PO5) to guide a multidisciplinary scientific group delivering analytical chemistry, soil, water and plant analyses, and innovative solutions to environmental priorities.

You will lead method development, ensure accreditation to ISO 17025, manage resources and stakeholders, and translate scientific insights into policy and environmental outcomes for Queensland.

Qualifications

• Senior scientific leadership experience in analytical chemistry or related field.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering projects on time.
• Strong track record in quality systems and accreditation programs such as ISO 17025.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary team delivering analytical chemical, physical chemistry and biological analyses for soils, sediments, plants and water samples.
• Oversee laboratory operations, provide expert interpretation and advice, and ensure timely, high-quality results.
• Drive method development and continuous improvement while meeting accreditation and customer requirements.
• Engage with government, industry partners and stakeholders to inform policy and environmental outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical chemistry

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Lead a team of scientists delivering analytical chemistry services, applied research, and innovative solutions that support Queensland's environmental and natural resource management priorities. As Team Leader (PO5) within the Chemistry Centre, you will provide scientific leadership across soil, water, sediment and plant analysis, contribute to major environmental monitoring and research programs, and drive method development in areas such as water quality, nutrient tracing, soil carbon and stable isotopes.

Working with government, research and industry partners, you will play a key role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality scientific outcomes while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement. An exciting opportunity for an experienced scientist and leader to influence decision-making and shape the future of analytical science in Queensland.

Are you an experienced scientist with a passion for leadership, innovation, and environmental research? Join the Chemistry Centre and lead a high-performing team delivering analytical chemistry services and scientific research that support Queensland's environmental sustainability, natural resource management, and evidence-based decision-making.

Based at the Ecosciences Precinct in Dutton Park, this role offers a unique opportunity to combine scientific expertise, people leadership, project management and stakeholder engagement in one of Queensland Government's premier analytical laboratories.

As Team Leader, you will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for the delivery of analytical chemical, physical chemistry and biological analyses for soils, sediments, plants and water samples. You will oversee laboratory operations, provide expert interpretation and advice, and ensure the delivery of accurate, timely and highquality scientific results that meet customer and accreditation requirements.

A key feature of this role is the opportunity to contribute to significant environmental monitoring and research programs. You will provide specialist input into initiatives such as reef water quality improvement programs, nutrient tracing studies, soil carbon investigations, water quality assessments and stable isotope research. Working collaboratively with government agencies, research institutions, industry groups and environmental stakeholders, you will help generate scientific knowledge that informs policy, management and environmental outcomes across Queensland.

You will also lead the development, implementation and improvement of analytical methodologies, ensuring the Chemistry Centre remains at the forefront of emerging scientific and technological advances. This includes designing and evaluating new methods, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and maintaining quality systems that support NATA accreditation to ISO 17025 standards.

As a senior leader, you will be responsible for fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture, developing staff capability, managing resources and priorities, and enabling your team to achieve exceptional results. You will represent the

department on state and national committees, contribute expert scientific advice to strategic initiatives, and build strong collaborative relationships with customers, researchers, professional bodies and industry partners.

We are seeking a collaborative and influential leader with demonstrated experience managing scientific projects and teams, building productive partnerships, and delivering high-quality outcomes in a complex environment. You will possess excellent communication skills, strong scientific credibility, and a commitment to innovation, quality and customer service.

This is an outstanding opportunity to apply your scientific expertise to real-world environmental challenges while leading a talented team and contributing to programs that make a lasting difference for Queensland's environment and communities.

Applications will remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/703599/26

Closing Date: Thursday, 22 October 2026

Occupational group Sciences