Organic/Profiling Chemist, S&T Level 5, National Measurements Institute

• Sydney - North Ryde
• Applications close 26 November
• The salary range for this role is $89,576 - $96,829

About the Department

The 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 APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the team

The 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.

NMI's is committed to our values.

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 these fields and carries out research and development to enhance our capabilities in line with national and international requirements.

The NMI’s Australian Forensic Drug Laboratory (AFDL) is a team of scientists providing forensic science services to government agencies such as the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force (ABF). The AFDL performs routine identification and quantification of illicit drugs seized by the AFP and ABF for prosecution, reporting and intelligence purposes. The AFDL also performs chemical profiling of illicit drugs to determine geographical origin of cultivated drugs and the synthetic route of manufactured drugs. This forms the basis of strategic and tactical intelligence reports used by law enforcement to assist drug trafficking disruption.

The opportunity

Join a specialist scientific team undertaking analytical work that directly supports Australian law enforcement. As an Organic Chemist/Profiling Chemist, you will apply advanced analytical techniques to the examination and chemical profiling of illicit drugs and emerging substances, generating scientific intelligence and evidence that supports law enforcement investigations and decision-making. This is an opportunity to apply and further develop your expertise in organic chemistry and advanced instrumentation while contributing to nationally significant forensic science work.

What’s in it for you?

At NMI you will join a world leader in measurement science. NMI has a diverse range of roles and priorities that will present the opportunity to develop 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.
• Access to staff counselling services.

Our ideal candidate

• Hold a Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry or Forensic Science from a recognised university.
• Demonstrated knowledge of illicit drug chemistry, including synthetic pathways used in methylamphetamine manufacture and/or cocaine and heroin processing methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience operating, maintaining and troubleshooting advanced analytical instrumentation, including NMR, GC-MS, FTIR and UPLC. Experience with IRMS is highly regarded.
• Demonstrated knowledge of organic chemistry and experience elucidating the structures of unknown samples using 1D and 2D NMR techniques, including 1H, 13C, DEPT, COSY, HSQC and HMBC.
• Experience working in a NATA-accredited laboratory and familiarity with ISO 17025.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively, learn from and respond constructively to feedback, and contribute to team performance.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to accurately document results and observations and present scientific evidence in court.
• Ability to undertake complex analyses with limited supervision and exercise sound judgement in problem-solving and decision-making.
• Demonstrated personal drive and integrity consistent with the APS Code of Conduct and NMI values of Inclusivity, Innovation, Accountability, Adaptability, Influence and Strategic thinking.

What you will do

As an Organic Chemist/Profiling Chemist, you will analyse drug seizures and controlled substances, including using NMR to elucidate the structures of unknown novel psychoactive substances. You will also support routine casework as required and chemically profile cocaine and heroin seizures to classify samples based on origin and processing methodologies. The resulting intelligence and evidential findings support law enforcement reporting requirements.

The successful candidate will also undertake laboratory activities that support the Laboratory Quality System, including:

• Promoting a strong safety culture and complying with work health and safety protocols.
• Operating and maintaining scientific instrumentation.
• Elucidating the structures of unknown samples using 1D and 2D NMR techniques.
• Processing raw analytical data.
• Preparing reports based on evidential and intelligence analyses and contributing to drug analogue opinion statements.
• Providing evidence in court.
• Supporting senior staff in developing and validating analytical methods.
• Providing advice and support across the team and broader NMI, mentoring staff and contributing to multidisciplinary projects.

Eligibility

• A Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry or Forensic Science from a recognised university.
• Demonstrated experience in the use, maintenance and troubleshooting of advanced analytical instrumentation, including NMR, GC-MS, FTIR and UPLC.
• Demonstrated knowledge of organic chemistry and experience elucidating the structures of unknown samples using 1D and 2D NMR techniques, including 1H, 13C, DEPT, COSY, HSQC and HMBC.
• Demonstrated knowledge of illicit drug chemistry, including synthetic pathways used in methylamphetamine manufacture and/or cocaine and heroin processing methodologies.

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.

Notes

The position is offered on a non-ongoing basis for an initial period of 12 months. Subject to operational requirements, the appointment may be extended for up to a further six months or may become ongoing.

A vaccination for Hepatitis A and B or serology immunity testing may be required after commencement with NMI.

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. 

The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. As this is a laboratory-based role in North Ryde - Sydney, the position is required to be performed on site. Flexible working arrangements may be available on an ad hoc basis, subject to operational requirements. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Application information

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 750 words and should align to the key duties listed above.

You may use AI tools to support your application. However, all content must be accurate, authentic, and reflect your own capability in line with APS merit principles. For further guidance, please refer to the APSC’s Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment.

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 (************* 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 regarding this opportunity, please contact Melissa Bird on ************ or via email on *******************************