Analytical Chemist – Department of Defence

Analytical Chemist – Department of Defence

• Use Your Analytical Chemistry Knowledge in Defence Environment
• Rare Opportunity to Work Alongside Australia’s Top Scientists
• Onsite Parking and Excellent Facilities Located in Fishermans Bend

 

THE CLIENT

The Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) is part of the Australian Department of Defence and dedicated to providing science and technology support for Australia’s defence and national security needs. DSTG is a national leader in safeguarding Australia by delivering valued scientific advice and innovative solutions.

 

THE ROLE

This is a full-time Fixed Term Tenure that will ideally commence in early December 2019 and is initially for 12 months. Benefits include paid annual leave, sick leave and public holidays.

Under the provisions of the contract, there are options for two extensions—each of up to 12 months—that could see the successful applicant employed until late 2022.

DST Group requires an Analytical Chemist (graduates with some experience encouraged to apply) to support their ongoing work programs within the Chemical Detection team. The work will initially involve the development and validation of the chemical delivery system, as well as assessments of handheld chemical detection equipment. The successful candidate will work in the Chemical Biological Protection and Detection Group, which is within the Land Division at the DST Group site located in the Fishermans Bend suburb of Melbourne.

Ultimately, the Analytical Chemist will assist in the provision of advice to the group on the performance of their defence equipment.

Some of the tasks associated with this role include:

• Facilitating the design, fabrication, and commissioning of specialist equipment for the assessment of chemical detectors;

• Contributing to the designing of test methods then fully validating the testing procedures using analytical chemistry techniques;

• Maintaining of specialist equipment and instrumentation, in accordance with documented procedures, so as to ensure it is functioning effectively and safely;

• Participating in the routine assessment of chemical detectors as required;

• Operating analytical equipment (FT-IR, MS, GC-MS, LC-MS), and performing general laboratory wet chemistry and extraction techniques;

• Safely handling of highly toxic materials under supervision; and

• Assisting with testing and development of prototype chemical detectors.

The nature of this work shall require the successful candidate to undergo significant induction training, which will include the use and handling of highly toxic chemicals. And, when required by the activity, necessitate the wearing of a full-face respirator.

 

SELECTION CRITERIA

To be considered for this unique opportunity to work alongside Australia’s top scientists, YOU MUST BE AN AUSTRALIAN CITIZEN—permanent residence is insufficient.

You will also need to meet the following criteria:

• A bachelor’s degree or honours degree in the fields of Analytical Chemistry or similar;
• Relevant hands-on experience working in a chemistry laboratory, preferably with knowledge of  MS instruments;
• Proven capability to perform experimental work, which includes design and set-up, and associated planning/organisational skills;
• Demonstrated experience with GC-MS, LC-MS including troubleshooting and basic maintenance of these instruments;
• Confidence in becoming familiar with the analytical instrumentation necessary for specific tasks (for example MS or portable FT-IR), which includes troubleshooting when required;
• Competence in the recording, processing, and presenting of data using Microsoft Office and other software packages as appropriate; and
• Experience handling hazardous and Dangerous Goods chemicals including storage and correct disposal;

• MUST be Willing to Undergo a Baseline Security Clearance.

Applicants being considered for shortlisting for this role will be asked by CS Executive Group to complete formal selection criteria that shall incorporate the above.

 

APPLICATIONS

To have a confidential discussion about this contract role please call Jo on the following numbers:

Head Office: +61 3 9516 0100 (8 am–5:30 pm, Mon–Fri)

After Hours: +61 411 197 171

Alternatively, if you would like to enquire electronically, please email [email protected]

In any communications relating to this opportunity, kindly cite the following job reference:

ANCHEM1019

To apply, please click the “Apply Now” button to send your resume and a covering letter to CS Executive Group.

 

THANK YOU

CS Executive Group would like to thank you in advance for taking the time to apply for this role. Unfortunately, due to the large volume of correspondence our recruitment team receives on a daily basis, we genuinely cannot respond to each application—only those applicants being considered for shortlisting as candidates are contacted.

However, if on this occasion you’re unsuccessful, please note your details will be added to our Talent Pool database. All this means is that in future you might be contacted by one of our team of recruiters for other suitable roles.