Research Scientist - Environmental Radioactivity

• Research Scientist (APS6 - EL1) - $88,408 - $124,403 per annum plus superannuation
• Office of Supervising Scientist Division
• Darwin, NT

• Deliver impactful science of national significance.
• Protect the environment and First Nations communities of Kakadu National Park.
• Excellent work-life balance.

Who we are 
The Office of the Supervising Scientist is responsible for protecting the environment of the Alligator Rivers Region, including Kakadu National Park, from the effects of uranium mining. We conduct independent research and monitoring, participate in and oversee the regulatory process for uranium mining in the region and develop standards and practices for environmental protection.

The Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist conducts world-leading research for monitoring and assessing the environmental impacts of uranium mining. We are a multidisciplinary institute with research programs spanning Environmental Radioactivity, water and sediment quality, ecosystem restoration, geomorphology, omics, drone remote sensing and environmental applications of artificial intelligence. 

Our Environmental Radioactivity research program focuses on assessing the radiological impacts to the public and the environment from uranium mining. Our technical capabilities and current work program include: 

• low level radiochemistry, alpha and gamma spectrometry laboratories, 
• measurement of natural decay series radionuclides in air, soil, water and biota (including Aboriginal bush foods), 
• radiological surveys of legacy and rehabilitated uranium mining sites, 
• modelling and assessment of radiation exposure pathways to the public and non-human biota from the dispersion and transfer of radionuclides in the environment, 
• provision of technical advice on regulatory applications for uranium mining and other nuclear actions, 
• engagement with International Atomic Energy Agency technical programs.

The Job

• Plan, conduct and manage research and monitoring projects related to the assessment of radiological impacts to people and the environment from uranium mining operations and site rehabilitation in the Alligator Rivers Region of the Northern Territory. 
• Assist in defining field sampling and laboratory analysis requirements to meet environmental research and monitoring objectives and undertake field and laboratory-based work as required to collect and analyse samples. 
• Assist in evaluating radionuclide datasets and assessing radiation doses to people and the environment from uranium mining operations and site rehabilitation. 
• Manage or supervise staff. 
• Communicate research and monitoring results to key stakeholders and the broader scientific community, including leading or contributing to journal papers.
• Assist in the review of regulatory applications for uranium mining and other actions.
• Contribute to the work of other research programs.

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience

• Knowledge of radioactive decay processes. 
• Knowledge of radiation dose assessment concepts and methods. 
• Experience conducting or contributing to research in the field of radioecology or radiation protection. 
• Experience analysing radionuclide data. 
• Experience presenting research findings at conferences and/or as an author on journal publications.

Skills and capabilities

• Ability to plan and manage scientific research projects, including completing them to specified timelines. 
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team and as part of a multidisciplinary research institute. 
• Ability to plan and undertake field work in remote locations for durations of up to a week at a time.
• Sound technical writing skills as well as the ability to produce plain English summaries of technical information. 
• Ability to communicate science to technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Strong aptitude for learning and applying new concepts and data analysis methods.

Mandatory Qualifications

• A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from an Australian University or qualification of equivalent standard from an Australian or overseas university, or other qualification appropriate to the duties.

Eligibility and other requirements
Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance - These positions do not require a security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level. 
 
For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

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