About the department
The department plays a key role in the Australian Government’s agenda to create jobs and build a stronger, more resilient and competitive economy. Our work builds on Australia’s existing strengths, supports businesses to grow, and drives new opportunities for long-term productivity growth and prosperity. The success of the department helps Australia recover from the economic consequences of COVID‑19 and adapt to its ongoing effects. Through our work, we support the government’s economic recovery plan and help to deliver a better future for all Australians.
About the National Measurement Institute
The National Measurement Institute (NMI) are the Australian Government’s National Authority on Measurement. We play an important role in the Australian economy by leading, maintaining and regulating Australia’s measurement system. We deliver world-class measurement solutions, advice and stakeholder support and administer the regulatory framework for measurement. Our national measurement standards are recognised internationally and we work to enhance and maintain these standards.
We value the different skills, knowledge and perspectives our employees bring. We’re committed to giving everyone an equal opportunity to participate, contribute and progress. Our values and behaviours centre on being, Adaptable, Innovative, Accountable, Strategic, Inclusive and Influential.
About the Branch
The Analytical Services Branch (ASB) consists of a team of over 100 staff based in Port Melbourne and North Ryde. We are responsible for conducting chemical and biological measurements for sectors including food, health and environment. We perform a diverse range of tests, including but not limited to:
- Microbiological
- Allergen
- Element
- Nutrient
- And contaminants
Providing analytical solutions and technical expertise to the private sector and government agencies to allow them to meet their business, research and regulatory compliance needs.
About the Team
The Food and Health Chemistry Laboratory (FHCL) at NMI Port Melbourne is responsible for delivering quality, efficient analytical services to a range of private sector and government clients of national strategic importance.
Our ideal candidate
NMI are excited to have an ongoing APS Level 6 position available for a Senior Food Safety Chemist.
Our ideal candidate will have:
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant scientific field.
- A minimum of 10 years’ experience within a food chemistry laboratory.
- An understanding, history of success and passion for both the technical and work processes of a laboratory operation
- The ability to strategically engage and develop collaborative working relationships with internal and external collaborators.
- The ability to demonstrate a history of high performance in a large and complex laboratory environment including in:
- research and development
- provision of measurement solutions delivery
- process improvement.
- A solid knowledge of the principles of Good Laboratory Practice and Laboratory Work Health and Safety.
- A proactive approach for personal development and a desire to build leadership, interpersonal and communication skills with a history of working well within a team
- A broad understanding of and commitment to NMI values including fostering a workplace culture that is respectful & inclusive
Along with the demonstrated ability to:
- Prioritise and monitor workflow whilst operating within an ISO17025 accredited laboratory quality system.
- Manage and evaluate staff performance against agreed key outcomes in the employee’s performance agreement.
- Conduct tests of a complex nature and readily deal with deviations from normal results with minimal guidance.
- Prepare technical reports with little to no revision required.
- operate, maintain and trouble shoot problems with advanced lab instrumentation such as Liquid and Gas Chromatography (MS/MS).
- Set priorities, motivate and lead a team of Chemists.
- Work confidently and independently or under limited guidance
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 do
The Supervisor of the Food Safety team will engage in work that contributes significantly to the capability, strategic development and promotion of NMI’s capabilities to its key stakeholders. The role is highly analytical, engaging with staff across the laboratory and the associated support functions on the site.
In this role the successful candidate will be required to:
- Co-ordinate and set priorities for the operational activities of the Food Safety team.
- Supervise and develop the Food Safety team so that testing is conducted efficiently to a high standard and in accordance to ISO17025 requirements.
- Undertake performance reviews of all Food Safety staff using the My Plan management system. Provide constructive feedback on a regular basis including career conversations.
- Co-ordinate activities relating to the calibrations and checks of equipment within the Food Safety team.
- Conduct tests of a complex nature relating to GC-QQQ and LC-QQQ and readily deal with deviations from normal results with minimal guidance.
- Liaise with clients and stakeholders in order to address queries and key tasks relating to the operation of activities within the Food Safety team.
Reporting directly to the FHCL Operations Manager, you will work and/or engage frequently with;
- Senior staff and managers of the NMI
- The Laboratory Services Units
- Business Development (BD) & Engagement Branch
- Quality & Safety Team, in particular the Port Melbourne Quality and Safety Managers
- Accreditation bodies such as NATA, TGA & BSI
- Government and private sector
- Universities and other research bodies
There will be significant opportunity for personal development and to engage with broader NMI, the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science and Resources, organising committees of conferences and forums.
Eligibility
To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, applicants must be Australian Citizens.
To be eligible for the advertise role candidates require tertiary qualifications in a relevant scientific field and a minimum of 10 years’ experience within a food chemistry laboratory.
Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
Notes
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.
This vacancy is Melbourne based and full-time attendance in the office will be required. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further, if required.
How to apply
Your 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 5000 characters (approximately 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 recruitment@industry.gov.au or (02) 6276 1235 if you require assistance with your application.
Please refer to our Applying for a position information for additional information on how to apply.
Contact Information
For more information on this vacancy, please contact Paul Adorno via email at Paul.Adorno@measurement.gov.au or phone on 03 9444 4888.
