Analytical Chemist and Quality Officer, APS Level 4, National Measurement Institute

Job title: Analytical Chemist and Quality Officer, APS Level 4, National Measurement Institute

Company: Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources

Job description:

• Sydney
• Applications close 27 August

About the DepartmentThe 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 for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.About the teamThe National Measurement Institute (NMI) is the Australian Government’s national measurement authority. We play an important role in the Australian economy. NMI does this by leading, maintaining and regulating Australia’s measurement system.We deliver world-class measurement products, advice and client services. NMI also administers the regulatory framework for measurement. Our national measurement standards are internationally recognised. We work to enhance and maintain these standards.We value the different skills, knowledge and perspectives our employees bring. NMI provides all employees with learning and development opportunities. We work to give everyone an equal opportunity to contribute and progress.The Chemical and Biological Metrology Branch provides measurement standards such as certified reference materials, these include pure chemicals, gas standards, matrix materials and DNA standards. The branch also co-ordinates proficiency testing programs to assist laboratories assess their ongoing quality and performance. The branch houses three of Australia’s national testing laboratories for anti-doping, forensic drugs and ultra-trace analysis. The branch delivers services across all of these fields and carries out research and development to enhance our capabilities in line with national and international requirements.The Chemical Reference Materials Section provides pure organic substance reference materials across a range of sectors such as agrichemicals and anti-doping. The team has documented procedures for the sourcing, synthesis, purification, characterisation and certification of materials in compliance with international best practice and is NATA accredited to the standard ISO 17034. The team maintains a collection of around 500 standards and is continually evolving its collection to meet stakeholder needs.The opportunityAs the Analytical Chemist and Quality Officer of the Chemical Reference Materials team, you will form part of the cohort of scientists related to the chemical analytical measurement services offered by the National Measurement Institute.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
• a vacation care subsidy
• $235 healthy lifestyle subsidy
• 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 study assistance
• access to staff counselling services

Our ideal candidateTo be successful in this role, you will have a technical background and have previously worked in an organisation with an accredited quality system. Ideal candidates will have personal drive and integrity in the context of the APS values, NMI values (Inclusive, Innovative, Accountable, Adaptable, Influential and Strategic) and code of conduct.We are looking for people who demonstrate a proven track record in the following:

• Experience with analytical instrumentation such as gas and/or liquid chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, accompanied by basic trouble shooting skills.
• Knowledge of quality standards including ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 17034.
• Experience in responding to preventative and corrective actions and continuous improvements related to quality systems
• A basic understanding of the concepts of measurement uncertainty and metrological traceability would be highly desirable but not essential
• Experience in mathematical and statistical calculations.

Demonstrated self-motivation and organisational skills, combined with the ability to work collaboratively in a team and establish and maintain productive working relationships with management as well as operational staff.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.What you will doThe successful candidate will work within the Chemical Reference Materials Laboratory in a support role capacity, contributing to the analytical work and maintaining the quality system requirements consistent with ISO 17034. You will also maintain close liaison with the North Ryde site quality manager.The Key responsibilities include:

• Operate and trouble shoot analytical instrumentation, including HPLC with UV/Charged Aerosol detection, GC-FID and Karl Fischer moisture analysis.
• Analyse organic calibration standards for sale to clients in accordance with the quality system.
• Undertake data analysis in Excel workbooks and update certificates of analysis using Microsoft Word.
• Implementing quality system improvements consistent with ISO 17034, including updates to method manuals, SOPs and the quality manual.
• Preparing for and responding to NATA audits, including working on validation of methods and data sets.
• Supporting the senior scientist via management of investigations related to corrective actions and implementation of improved processes to prevent reoccurrence of quality non-conformances.

This position reports to the Senior Scientist.EligibilityA Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) qualification ideally in chemistry.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.NotesA 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. This vacancy is NSW – Sydney – North Ryde based, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.Application informationYour application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information.Please provide a pitch explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role and why you are the best candidate for the position. Your pitch can contain no more than 750 words and should align to the key duties listed above.Please complete your application online and provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format).Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact or (02) 6276 1235 if you require assistance with your application.Please refer to our information for additional information on how to apply.Contact InformationFor more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Dr Michael Moawad on 02 9449 0262 or via email on Michael.moawad@measurement.gov.auHow to apply:

• Start your application by clicking the “begin” button.

orBy choosing to continue, you agree to the department’s privacy policy and declare that you consent to the collection (and subsequent handling) of your personal information for the purpose of this recruitment process and potential employment in the APS.

Expected salary:

Location: Sydney, NSW

Job date: Wed, 07 Aug 2024 02:14:32 GMT

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