Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources – Sydney NSW

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 Reference Gases team of 4 scientists develop the highest accuracy gas calibration standards for use in the analysis of gas mixtures. The team also co-ordinates gas proficiency testing programmes for Australian and international laboratories with a focus on supporting Government priorities in environmental measurement, energy security, net zero and the energy transition. This position reports to the Director of Reference Gases.

The opportunity

This role is a key position within the Future Made in Australia program, contributing to the development and delivery of high-accuracy gas reference materials to support emerging energy sectors, particularly hydrogen and other new energy gases.

As an APS6 Gas Metrologist, you will apply established scientific principles and contribute to research, method development and continuous improvement of measurement capabilities. You will work with a high degree of independence, provide technical advice, and support strategic priorities in environmental measurement, energy security and the energy transition.

The role will contribute to delivering national measurement capabilities aligned with government priorities and international obligations.

This position will initially be offered as non-ongoing.

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
- 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 staff counselling services.

Our ideal candidate will demonstrate:

- A tertiary qualification in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, with postgraduate qualifications (Honours, Masters or PhD) highly desirable.
- Demonstrated research experience, including experimental design, data interpretation and scientific reporting, preferably in a laboratory or applied measurement science environment.
- Strong technical expertise in analytical chemistry, with experience in gas analysis techniques (with a focus on gas chromatography).
- The ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement in the application of established methods, including identifying and resolving complex technical issues.
- Experience contributing to method development, validation or continuous improvement activities.
- A strong understanding of quality systems and laboratory accreditation frameworks (e.g. ISO 17025, ISO 17034, ISO 17043).
- Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to calculate and evaluate measurement uncertainty.
- Solid written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports and communicate scientific findings to a range of stakeholders.
- High level of proficiency in data analysis tools, including Excel or equivalent, with experience in data handling and interpretation.
- Experience in specialty gases, air quality monitoring, energy gases or related sectors will be highly regarded.
- Desirable: experience with vacuum systems, LabVIEW, VBA/macros, or automation of laboratory processes.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate personal drive, integrity and professionalism consistent with APS and NMI values.

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.

The key duties of the position include:
In this role, you will:

- Design, prepare and certify high-accuracy gas reference materials, including those supporting emerging energy applications such as hydrogen.
- Manufacture gas mixtures, including the preparation and filling of gas cylinders in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements.
- Perform high-precision gravimetric measurements, including the accurate weighing of gas cylinders to support the preparation and certification of reference materials.
- Undertake research and development activities to improve measurement methods, expand capability and support innovation in gas metrology.
- Analyse gas mixtures using advanced analytical techniques, including gas chromatography.
- Assign reference values to materials and proficiency testing samples, including evaluation of uncertainty budgets.




- Interpret complex datasets and provide technical advice and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
- Contribute to the development, validation and documentation of analytical methods and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with laboratory quality systems and accreditation requirements, including ISO 17025, ISO 17034 and ISO 17043.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to audits, reporting and continuous improvement activities.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners, including contributing to national and international measurement initiatives where appropriate.

Eligibility

- A tertiary qualification in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, with postgraduate qualifications (Honours, Masters or PhD) highly desirable.
- Demonstrated research experience, preferably in analytical chemistry, measurement science or a related field, including experimental design and data analysis.
- Demonstrated experience in a laboratory environment, including gas analysis techniques such as gas chromatography.
- Practical experience in gas handling and preparation, including gas cylinder filling and high-precision gravimetric measurements, or the ability to rapidly acquire these skills.
- Experience contributing to method development, validation or continuous improvement activities is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with laboratory quality systems and accreditation frameworks (e.g. ISO 17025, ISO 17034, ISO 17043) is desirable.

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 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 - Lindfield based, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Getting to know the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)

The department’s Enterprise Agreement and policies provide for a flexible working environment to assist staff balance their work and home life. Staff and managers work together to balance the operating needs of the department with the needs of the individual. Options may include full time/part time working arrangements, working from home or other arrangements. Our employees say they recommend our department as a good place to work. Our workplace is one that encourages and supports all employees to have a sense of belonging and a culture that allows them to bring their authentic selves to work every day. Our reconciliation vision supports a workforce with opportunities and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The vision allows them to feel empowered and helps to ensure that the department and broader community can benefit from the knowledge and experience of Australia’s First Peoples. We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, nationalities and backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, mature age, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people of the LGBTIQA+ community and people with disability. The department wants to give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their full potential during a recruitment process. We encourage candidates who require any adjustments or support as part of the recruitment process to reach out and discuss them with the job’s contact officer. Candidates are also welcome to contact our Inclusion team at *********@industry.gov.au for a confidential discussion if you identify from any of these diverse backgrounds and would like to discuss how we can support you.

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📌 Gas Metrologist (New South Wales)
🏢 Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources
📍 New South Wales