Part-Time (0.5FTE) | 2-Year Contract
At the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), we are committed to achieving innovative, ground-breaking health and medical research that fundamentally improves the quality of life for all people.
We are seeking a Chemical Safety and Compliance Officer to oversee and continuously improve SAHMRI's Chemical Safety Program. Working closely with the Head of Risk and stakeholders across research, laboratory and operational teams, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe management of hazardous chemicals, maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements, and supporting a positive safety culture across the Institute.
This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical expertise in a highly respected research environment where your work directly supports scientific excellence and community impact.
Reporting to the Head of Risk, you will lead the development, implementation and ongoing improvement of SAHMRI's Chemical Safety Program and provide expert advice across the organisation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the development, implementation and continuous improvement of SAHMRI's Chemical Safety Program.
- Provide expert advice and support to researchers, laboratory staff and managers on chemical safety, risk management and regulatory compliance.
- Manage and maintain chemical safety systems, including Chemwatch, chemical inventories and associated documentation.
- Conduct chemical safety inspections, audits, risk assessments and incident investigations, and monitor corrective actions.
- Ensure compliance with relevant WHS legislation, Australian Standards, Codes of Practice and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate the safe handling, storage, transport and disposal of hazardous chemicals and chemical waste.
- Develop and deliver chemical safety training, communications and awareness initiatives across the Institute.
- Prepare reports, compliance documentation and recommendations to support continuous improvement and a positive safety culture.
About You
The successful candidate will possess the following key attributes:
- Bachelor of Science, Applied Science (Chemistry) or a related discipline.
- Experience in chemical safety, hazardous materials management, WHS, or a similar compliance-focused role.
- Strong knowledge of hazardous chemical management requirements, including SDSs, chemical registers, storage, handling, transport, disposal and emergency response.
- Experience developing and implementing safety programs, procedures, risk assessments, audits and compliance initiatives in a laboratory, research, health or technical environment.
- Ability to investigate incidents, analyse data, identify trends and provide practical recommendations for improvement.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence positive safety behaviours across diverse teams.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
Desirable
- Qualification in Safety Management, Auditing or a related field.
- Experience using Chemwatch or similar chemical management systems.
- Experience developing and delivering safety training programs.
Special Requirements
- Some out of hours’ work may be required.
- DCSI Employment Screening and Police Checks may be required.
- Scheduled metropolitan travel to SAHMRI’s various worksites (PIRL, FMC & Women’s and Kids)
Why Join SAHMRI?
At SAHMRI, everything we do is guided by our values of Excellence, Innovation, Courage, Integrity and Teamwork. We foster a collaborative and inclusive culture where talented people come together to make a meaningful difference to the health and wellbeing of our community.
As a SAHMRI employee, you will enjoy:
- Working within one of Australia's leading independent medical research institutes.
- Salary packaging benefits of up to $15,900 per year.
- A collaborative and purpose-driven workplace.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- The chance to directly support world-class health and medical research.
To be considered for this position, applicants must hold relevant working rights within Australia at the time of application.
For more information, please contact Dorota Gancarz at [email protected]
Applications close: Sunday 26th July 2026
Applications may close earlier than advertised if a suitable candidate is identified.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply
