The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is the Australian Government's primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety. Our purpose is to protect the Australian people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation, through understanding risks, best practice regulation, research, policy, services, partnerships and engaging with the community.

The Radiochemistry and Environmental Sciences Laboratory sits within the Radiation Health Services Branch and is responsible for ARPANSA’s laboratories and field measurement capabilities required for the measurement of radiation in people and the environment. This includes maintenance of ARPANSA’s radiation emergency response laboratories.

Why work for us?

- Opportunities to engage with national and international stakeholders
- Inclusive and diverse workplace
- Competitive salaries with 15.4% superannuation
- Generous leave conditions
- Versatile work practices
- Modern amenities and free parking at both our Yallambie and Miranda sites.

In this role, you will provide scientific leadership in advancing ARPANSA’s radiochemistry capability, with a focus on method development, strategic innovation, and coordination of the Australian Radiochemistry Laboratory Network (ARLN). Operating under broad direction, you will lead initiatives that enhance analytical techniques, foster national collaboration, and build long-term laboratory capability.

You will be responsible for leading ARPANSA’s emergency preparedness activities within the radiochemistry function, ensuring the laboratory is equipped to respond to radiological incidents and contribute to national laboratory coordination efforts. You will also play a key role in digital transformation initiatives, including the integration of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and data governance frameworks to support innovation, traceability, and operational resilience.

Working collaboratively with other senior radiochemists, you will ensure the laboratory’s scientific outputs remain at the forefront of environmental radiation monitoring and contribute to ARPANSA’s broader regulatory and scientific mission. Domestic and/or overseas travel may be required.

Key accountabilities

- Lead the development, validation and implementation of radioanalytical methods and provide expert technical advice to support environmental monitoring, emergency preparedness, regulatory activities and emerging organisational needs.
- Lead the scientific delivery and continuous improvement of environmental radiation monitoring programs, ensuring data quality, scientific integrity and stakeholder confidence.
- Drive collaboration, capability development and knowledge sharing across the Australasian Radioanalytical Laboratory Network (ARLN) to strengthen national radiochemistry and radioanalytical measurement capability.




- Lead activities that maintain and enhance radiochemistry preparedness, ensuring laboratory capability and expertise support national radiological incident response arrangements.
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve laboratory capability through innovation, digital systems, data management, modern analytical approaches and emerging technologies.
- Develop and maintain productive relationships with government, industry, research organisations and international partners, representing ARPANSA in relevant technical forums and collaborative initiatives.
- Provide mentoring, coaching and scientific leadership to staff, fostering technical excellence, safety, quality and continuous improvement across the team.

To be considered for this position, you will hold a tertiary qualification in science from an Australian tertiary institution, or comparable qualification, and relevant experience which is appropriate to the duties of the position. You should possess a high level of scientific and technical expertise with a robust background in analytical chemistry and an expert knowledge in radiochemistry.

You must hold Australian citizenship and be prepared to travel interstate from time to time as required. ARPANSA requires all new employees to obtain and maintain a national security clearance as a condition of engagement. You must also meet required pre-employment checks as necessary.

Selection criteria

1. Demonstrated expertise in radiochemistry and radioanalytical measurement, with experience developing, implementing and enhancing laboratory capabilities to meet current and emerging needs.
2. Demonstrated ability to lead and deliver complex scientific programs, including the planning, prioritisation and implementation of initiatives that strengthen organisational capability and operational readiness.
3. Demonstrated experience designing, delivering and interpreting environmental radiation monitoring programs, and providing scientific advice to support regulatory, preparedness and stakeholder outcomes.
4. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective partnerships across government, industry, research organisations and laboratory networks to strengthen radiological measurement capability.
5. Demonstrated ability to lead and develop staff, foster a culture of safety and quality, and drive continuous improvement through effective communication, collaboration and influence.

Eligibility

Employment with ARPANSA is subject to:

- conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999




- agency and role specific pre-employment security checks that may include, but are not limited to:
- entitlement to work in Australian
- national criminal history
- international criminal history
- professional memberships
- qualifications
- sanctions
- anti-money laundering & counter-terrorism financing
- ASIC banned & disqualified persons
- ASIC credit registered persons
- bankruptcy & national personal insolvency
- directorship
- global media check

- former Australian Government employer information sharing
- Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) security clearance eligibility requirements
- evidence of citizenship status required
- evidence of qualifications required of the role
- internal security assessment
- security clearance vetting
- the CEO of ARPANSA, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.

The Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website provides detailed information about the requirements for obtaining a security clearance at the required level, the documentary evidence you will be required to provide, the forms that need to be completed, and the relevant timeframes. Please ensure that you are able to provide the required evidence if you apply for the position. Failure or refusal to complete the required forms, or to comply with reasonable requests from AGSVA, will result in ARPANSA withdrawing your security clearance application, and your employment with the agency not progressing.

ARPANSA is responsible for assessing how information relates to the agency’s security risks, as well as a person’s suitability for employment by the agency. ARPANSA will use the information you provide to undertake relevant checks in order to identify any factors or circumstances that pose a security risk to the agency and assess whether you are suitable to have access to the agencies non-public assets. You will be notified if you are assessed as unsuitable for employment by the agency.

How to apply

Applications can be lodged through ARPANSA Recruitment Portal. Your application should consist of a resume, and a ‘500-word pitch’ that considers:

- Key accountabilities
- Job specific capabilities
- Selection criteria.

ARPANSA recognises the need for our workforce to reflect the community we serve and provide an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity. We strongly encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme applicants who choose to apply under the scheme will be invited to participate in further assessment activities for the vacancy, where they meet the minimum requirements for the position. ARPANSA will provide reasonable adjustments or flexibilities in the recruitment process as requested. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

📌 Senior Radiochemist (Australia)
🏢 Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
📍 Australia