Synthesis Chemist, Science & Technical Level 6, National Measurement Institute

• Sydney
• Applications close 30 April
• The salary range for this role is $98,716 - $108,398

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. 

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

The Chemical Reference Materials team within the Chemical and Biological Metrology branch of NMI specialises in the production of pure substance organic calibration standards for sports doping control, forensic, food and environmental analytical testing. Accreditation to ISO 17034 for reference material production and participation in international comparison studies underpins the quality of NMI products which are sold worldwide.

On site the staff have access to NMR spectrometers (2), an infrared spectrometer (1) and numerous mass spectrometers for structure elucidation. Purity is assessed using a combination of mass balance (GC-FID, HPLC-UV-ELSD-CAD, thermogravimetric and Karl Fischer analysis) and quantitative NMR, ensuring the assigned purity value (mass fraction) has metrological traceability to the SI unit for mass (kg). All products comply with the international definition of a reference material and are sold to analytical testing laboratories worldwide.

What’s in it for you?

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:

• 15.4% employer superannuation contribution 
•  4 weeks annual leave per year
•  18 days paid personal leave per year.
•  maternity and paternity leave
•  a vacation care subsidy
•  $235 healthy lifestyle subsidy
•  flexible working arrangements such as teleworking, part time and job sharing where possible
•  salary packaging which allows you to make certain payments using your pre-tax salary
•  access to study assistance
•  access to staff counselling services.

Our ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Demonstrated ability to perform the synthesis, purification and characterisation of organic compounds of varying complexity under minimal supervision. Experience with the synthesis of steroids (Highly desirable).
• Knowledge and experience in the assignment of purity as a mass fraction with an associated uncertainty to organic compounds (Essential).
• Experience working under a Quality System and knowledge of ISO 17034 (highly desirable).
• Demonstrated scientific expertise in the use of major analytical techniques (Proton and carbon NMR, GC-FID, GC-MS, HPLC-UV-CAD-ELSD, LC-MS, DSC and thermogravimetric analysis) and the operation of modern instrumentation (Essential). Ability to maintain and undertake basic service and repairs on modern analytical instrumentation and provide written standard operating procedures (Highly desirable).
• High-level verbal and written communication skills and maintain good record keeping. Willingness to share technical knowledge with colleagues and present at appropriate scientific forums. (Essential).
• Demonstrated ability to work within a team, maintain a high level of work health and safety and ensure that assigned tasks are taken to a satisfactory conclusion (Essential). 
• Knowledge and commitment to NMI corporate values with an ability and willingness to motivate all staff to work towards a common goal. An understanding of workplace diversity, workplace participation, safe working environment and access and equity principles. 

Tertiary level qualifications in Organic Chemistry at PhD level, with additional experience (Essential).

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

As the Synthesis Chemist, you will:

• Undertake literature searches to design and troubleshoot synthesis problems.
• Develop analytical methods, acquire analytical data using appropriate analytical techniques, then assess and assign certified purity values with associated uncertainty based on the available data.
• Your major task will be the synthesis, purification and structure elucidation of organic compounds.
• Draft and proofread reports related to reference material production and certification.
• Work with colleagues and external contractors to ensure that projects are completed to a high standard in a timely manner.

Eligibility

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

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.

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. 

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.

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 ***********@industry.gov.au or (02) 6276 1*** 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 Michael Moawad on 02 9449 0*** or via email on **************@measurement.gov.au