Forensic Analyst, Aps Level 6, National Measurement Institute

• Sydney, NSW
• Applications close 01/02/2024

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.

About the National Measurement Institute

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. 

About the branch
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.
About the Australian Forensic Drug Laboratory
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.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
• $200 healthy lifestyle subsidy
• Flexible working arrangements
• 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:

• A Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Forensic Science from a recognized university and a minimum of 5 years’ experience working within a NATA forensic accredited laboratory and a comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality systems.
• Demonstrated experience in complex forensic analysis of illicit drugs and experience with advanced analytical techniques e.g., NMR, GC/MS, UPLC, IRMS and LCMS. Demonstrated ability to provide quality assurance and technical reviews for peers and staff at lower classification levels.
• Demonstrated experience in method development and validation within a NATA accredited laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience in the use, maintenance and troubleshooting of advanced analytical instrumentation including IRMS. Experience in the interpretation of stable isotope ratios pertaining to illicit drugs and advanced understanding of the quality control measures for IRMS data.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated high level communication skills.
• Ability to manage a complex and changing workload in a timely and collaborative manner.
• Ideal candidates will have personal drive and integrity in the context of the APS values, NMI values (Inclusive, Innovative, Accountable, Adaptable, Influential and Strategic) and code of conduct. 

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

This role is responsible for identifying and quantifying illicit drugs, including complex analysis such as physical and chemical concealments of drugs, chemical profiling, and preparing analysis certificates. This work requires expertise on sophisticated instrumentation including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) and Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS).

Additionally, the role involves mentoring junior lab staff and being skilled in using and maintaining analytical instruments such as Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). The role also requires experience in High Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) for confirmation peptide analysis.

This position reports to a Senior Forensic Scientist.

The main duties of the role: 

• Undertake qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of a large range of illicit drugs, drug precursor chemicals and novel psychoactive substances. Present evidence in court when required.
• Undertake complex analytical chemistry and drug analysis as part of NMI’s core service delivery and including the drug intelligence signature programs.
• Establish and maintain AFDL confirmation and reporting methodology relating to human growth hormone (HgH) and other controlled peptides using LCMS.
• Maintain expert knowledge and experience in the use of IRMS for profiling cocaine, methylamphetamine and other drugs. Provide a lead role in maintenance and troubleshooting of the laboratory’s IRMS facility.
• Provide ongoing supervision, training, and guidance to junior laboratory staff.
• Conduct technical and administrative reviews of case reports for evidential analyses and drug profiling intelligence reports.

Eligibility

To undertake this role, the successful candidate must have a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Forensic Science or Chemistry from a recognised university.

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

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. This vacancy is NSW - Sydney - North Ryde based, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. 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.

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 Melissa Bird on 02 9449 0*** or via email on ************@measurement.gov.au