Instrumentation Chemist – Department of Defence

Instrumentation Chemist – Department of Defence (The position has been filled)

• Assist Defence Scientists with solutions against Chemical Warfare Agents
• Two year full-time Fixed Term Tenure with benefits
• Onsite parking and excellent facilities located in Port Melbourne

 

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.

 

THE ROLE

This is a full-time Fixed Term Tenure that will ideally commence in early December 2019 and conclude in early December 2021. Benefits include paid annual leave, sick leave and public holidays.

DST Group requires an Instrumental Chemist (graduates with experience encouraged to apply) to support their ongoing work programs within the Chemical Biological Protection and Detection Group. The successful candidate will assist with the assessment and effectiveness of commercial-off-the-shelf detection and protection solutions against chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. You will also investigate and develop new solutions specific for Australian Defence Force and National Security needs.

Ultimately, the Instrumental Chemist will primarily support the technical spectroscopic evaluation of highly toxic chemicals for development of new techniques and testing regimes with alternate light sources.

In addition, you will also support the development and application of spectroscopy techniques using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) for sensitive detection of highly toxic chemicals.

Some of the tasks associated with this role include:

• Under general direction design, develop and undertake solid state fluorescence experiments;
• Ensure instrumentation is functioning effectively and safely in accordance with documented procedures;
• Assist with the preparation of reports and communication of results to collaborative partners;
• Participate in the assessment of molecular-based chemical sensors, films and other materials as required;
• Participate in the assessment of vibrational spectroscopic methods and techniques as required;
• Undergo training, be willing and able to handle highly toxic materials wearing the required protective equipment under supervision;
• Under supervision, assist with the dispensing and handling of highly toxic chemicals as required;
• Assist with general running of chemical laboratories as required.

The majority of work will be conducted in Melbourne. However, the person may be required to travel to Brisbane to undertake work at University of Queensland, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Queensland Police HQ.

The nature of this work shall require the successful candidate to undergo significant induction training wearing a full face respirator as well as the use and handling of highly toxic chemicals.

 

SELECTION CRITERIA

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

You will also need to meet the following criteria:

• Degree or higher in the fields of Chemistry or other relevant discipline
• Demonstrated hands-on chemistry skills particularly fluorescence and UV-Vis spectroscopy, and reactive chemistry
• Experience with solid state fluorescence and vibrational spectroscopy (e.g. RAMAN) techniques would be preferred
• Demonstrated safe work practices when handling toxic chemicals
• Demonstrated ability to perform experimental work including design and set-up
• Data recording and processing skills using Microsoft Office and other software packages as appropriate
• Ability and willingness to work in a small team with highly toxic chemicals with close direction and training
• MUST be Willing to Undergo Security Clearance.

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

 

APPLICATIONS

To have a confidential discussion about this contract role please call our office on 03 9516 0100 (8 am–5:30 pm, Mon–Fri). After Hours please call 0438 620 434.

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.

If on this occasion you’re unsuccessful, your details will be added to our Talent Pool database for other suitable roles.