Assistant Director, National Residues Survey, Residue Chemistry – Laboratory Performance and Evaluation

Job title: Assistant Director, National Residues Survey, Residue Chemistry – Laboratory Performance and Evaluation

Company: Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

Job description:

• EL 1 – $120,290 – $129,379 per annum plus superannuation
• Exports & Veterinary Services Division
• Canberra, ACT

• Utilise scientific skills to monitor and evaluate laboratory performance
• Formulate the ideas and advice that will help manage a national residue monitoring program
• Work in a motivated and professional team with a mixture of laboratory and computer-based duties

Who we are
The Exports and Veterinary Services Division regulates export of animal products and import of food products through the delivery of inspection and certification services including those related to live animal operations. The division develops strategies to gain, improve or maintain market access for a wide range of animal products. The division delivers the Australian Codex Alimentarius Contact Point and delivers the coordination and development of policy and technical input to international food standards. The division manages 63 tariff rate quotas. The division delivers the National Residue Survey for Australian primary industries. The division actively contributes to the department’s digitalisation and regulatory reform agendas including implementing reform programs for dairy, cosmetics and other goods.The Residues and Food Branch is responsible for regulation, policy development, and implementation of dairy, fish and egg exporters, organic exports, the exports of non-prescribed food and animal by-products, and imported food controls (food safety). This includes the development of legislation, operational policy and guidelines, instructional material, technical training (and its delivery), reporting and engagement of industry and government stakeholders. The branch is also responsible for the National Residue Survey which conducts animal and plant residue testing for participating industries – a critical component underpinning Australia’s favourable market access arrangement.This position is in the Residue Chemistry & Laboratory Performance Evaluation Section (RC-LPE) of the National Residue Survey. The National Residue Survey (NRS) is a vital part of the Australian system for managing the risk of chemical residues and environmental contaminants in Australian animal and plant products. The core work of the NRS is to facilitate the testing of animal and plant products for pesticide and veterinary medicine residues, and environmental contaminants. Product testing is done through either random or specifically designed sampling protocols. NRS laboratory performance evaluation activities including proficiency testing, seek to make regular and objective evaluations of contract laboratory competency and supports the core work of residue testing.The Job

• Consult with contract laboratories on residue chemistry and laboratory performance matters
• Conduct audits of contract laboratories
• Assist in the monitoring and procurement of contract laboratories
• Conduct technical assessments of residue results for NRS Animal and Plant programs and provide of advice on residue testing
• Contribute to the oversight of residue chemistry proficiency testing programs and the preparation of PT samples
• Provide technical and professional input into preparation of PT reports and other publications
• Assist the NRS Quality Manager to maintain NATA accreditation as a PT provider
• Supervise and mentor staff in the RC-LPE team
• Provide technical support to the Director, other members of the RC-LPE team and other members of DAFF.

Knowledge and experience

• Extensive experience in analytical chemistry, preferably with recent experience in a laboratory which tests for residues of pesticides, veterinary medicines and/or environmental contaminants in food.
• Experience in working in a NATA (or international equivalent) accredited laboratory and/or sound understanding of ISO accreditation requirements in relation to quality systems.
• Ability to recognise and troubleshoot anomalies and possible technical issues in relation to all aspects of a laboratory process (e.g. the preparation, storage, packaging and delivery of proficiency test samples).
• Demonstrated ability to exercise judgement and initiative in the delivery of high-quality outputs within defined deadlines and under minimal supervision.
• Experience with writing a range of documents including scientific reports and standard operating procedures, and with the use of databases.
• Knowledge of Australian agriculture systems and understanding of the regulation of pesticides and veterinary medicines and residue matters relating to the use of those chemicals.
• Sound communication and inter-personal skills and the ability to supervise and mentor scientists.

Skills and capabilities

• We require a highly motivated scientist on an ongoing basis who will, as a member of a small team, take a lead role in liaising with contract laboratories about technical matters, ensuring that NRS delivers proficiency testing programs and maintains NATA accreditation as a proficiency test provider.
• The person will also play a senior role in NRS laboratory procurement and performance evaluation processes.
• The successful candidate needs to have sound judgement, be capable of supervising and mentoring staff, be meticulous in their technical work, with an eye for identifying anomalies in data and laboratory practices and have a cooperative and constructive attitude to working with contract laboratories and internal team members.

Mandatory Qualifications
An appropriate degree, preferably in chemistry, from an Australian tertiary institution, or comparable overseas qualificationThe successful applicant must:

• Hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence,
• Wear appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

Expected salary: $120290 – 129379 per year

Location: Canberra, ACT

Job date: Thu, 08 Aug 2024 01:59:23 GMT

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