- NSW - Sydney - North Ryde
- Applications close 08 September
- The salary range for this role is $89,576 - $96,829
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:
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Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
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Investing in science and technology
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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.
The Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory (ASDTL), as part of the National Measurement Institute, is the only World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory conducting the testing of athlete samples in the Oceania region as well as conducting research in the field of human sports anti-doping. The ASDTL provides testing service to two key clients, Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) and Sport Integrity Commission New Zealand (SICNZ), as well as international sporting federation and anti-doping organisation.
The ASDTL is a proactive team that effectively manages diverse tasks under tight deadlines while ensuring delivery of high-quality services to stakeholders is maintained.
It is expected that our ideal candidate will be able to support and promote NMI's vision, mission and business objectives, by actively contributing to the ASDTL’s team goals, strategies and work plans while achieving quality outcomes and adhering to documented procedures.
The Research Scientist will contribute to ASDTL’s Anti-Doping research and analytical capability through the development, validation and implementation of innovative GC-MS and GC-MS/MS analytical methods for the detection of prohibited substances and emerging doping agents. Working within the Research team and in close collaboration with the GC-MS operational team, the role will develop an understanding of routine testing workflows and laboratory challenges to ensure research outcomes are practical, fit-for-purpose and readily transferable into operational use. The position will focus on sample preparation and extraction methodologies, method optimisation, instrument operation and troubleshooting, and the delivery of applied research outcomes that enhance testing quality, laboratory efficiency and compliance with WADA requirements.
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:
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15.4% employer superannuation contribution
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4 weeks annual leave per year
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18 days paid personal leave per year.
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maternity and paternity leave
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flexible working arrangements such as teleworking, part time and job sharing where possible.
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salary packaging which allows you to make certain payments using your pre-tax salary
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access to staff counselling services.
Our ideal candidate will have:
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Demonstrated experience in GC-MS and/or GC-MS/MS analysis of small molecules in complex biological matrices (e.g. urine), including sample extraction, preparation, derivatisation, instrument operation, troubleshooting and data interpretation.
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Experience undertaking scientific investigations, analytical studies and method validation activities, applying sound judgement, initiative, problem-solving skills and statistical principles, including measurement uncertainty calculations, to deliver high-quality outcomes within established timelines.
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Knowledge of laboratory quality systems and accreditation requirements, particularly ISO/IEC 17025, and experience working within regulated analytical laboratory environments operating under strict analytical, technical and quality requirements.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the preparation of technical reports, method documentation, scientific publications and presentations.
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Experience in Anti-Doping science, forensic toxicology or related bioanalytical fields would be highly desirable.
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A BSc degree or postgraduate qualification (PhD or Masters) in Analytical Chemistry, Forensic Science, Biochemistry or a related discipline, with demonstrated experience in industry-based research and the development, validation and implementation of analytical methods.
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.
As a Research Scientist (S&T5), you will be responsible for conducting analytical and research activities on biological molecules to support the testing of athletes for the detection of prohibited substances in sport, as outlined below:
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Develop, optimise, validate and implement GC-MS and GC-MS/MS analytical methods, including innovative sample extraction, preparation and derivatisation techniques for the detection of prohibited substances and related analytes in biological matrices.
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Conduct applied research projects in Anti-Doping and analytical science, contributing to improvements in analytical capability, laboratory efficiency, scientific knowledge and compliance with WADA requirements.
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Operate, maintain and troubleshoot GC-MS and GC-MS/MS instrumentation, ensuring optimal system performance, data quality and continuity of analytical and research activities.
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Review scientific literature, emerging technologies and analytical approaches, applying appropriate experimental design and statistical analysis to support method development, validation and research outcomes.
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Prepare scientific reports, validation documentation, technical procedures, presentations and publications, effectively communicating research findings and project outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.
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Collaborate with laboratory scientists, researchers and external partners, and participate in relevant conferences, workshops and scientific meetings to support professional development and knowledge exchange.
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.
This role is conducted on site and as such there is limited capacity to work flexibly outside of an ad-hoc basis. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss further.
The laboratory offers flexible working arrangements but during major sporting events there is an expectation for all staff to work shifts and on weekends or public holidays.
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.
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 [email protected] 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.
For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact ChemBio Recruitment via email on [email protected]
