Analytical Chemist - [Archived Advertisement]

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

The Opportunity

• Undertake analysis and experiments of food and food ingredients, human and animal biological samples
• Collaborate with research teams, institutions and industry to support product innovation and substantiation for the agri-food, nutraceutical and health and wellness sectors
• Join CSIRO! A truly collaborative, flexible and inclusive workplace!

CSIRO’s Health & Biosecurity business unit is dedicated to conducting scientific research that develops products and services to address the complexity and interdependencies of human, animal and environmental health and biosecurity challenges to provide benefits to Australia and the world.

The Human Health research program aims to expand our national and global impact by delivering R&D that drives a shift toward improved preparedness against human health threats, and enhanced quality of life for all Australians across their lifespan. The program’s critical focus areas are:

• R&D to increase biothreat preparedness and resilience to emerging infectious diseases;
• Innovation, validation, and clinical integration associated with novel human diagnostic tools; and
• Development and validation of precision solutions that enable proactive health management.

The Analytical Platform within CSIRO’s Human Health Program supports research in how foods, extracts and nutrients impact human health to support product innovation and substantiation for the agri-food, nutraceutical and health and wellness sectors. The Analytical Chemist will provide technical and scientific support in an analytical laboratory specialising in food chemistry and analysis of metabolites, hormones, nutritional and immune markers in human biological samples and a range of samples obtained from experimental animals. They will undertake sample analysis on GC and GC-MS and routine maintenance of these pieces of equipment. A working knowledge of a range of analytical instruments including HPLC is required.

As the Analytical Chemist, you will have experience in the design, development, optimisation and validation of new analytical methods, preparation of clear and accurate standard operating procedures (SOPs), working independently to trouble-shoot issues and training and supporting less experienced staff and/or research students. You will also be required to aid the chemical safety officer of the CSIRO Human Health Program.

The role will work collaboratively across research teams, institutions and industry colleagues/clients. Experience in preparation of quotes/proposals, project management and delivery of client reports will be viewed favourably. 

Your duties will include:

• Undertake routine analyses of food and food ingredients, biological samples which include but are not limited to blood, faeces and urine from human and animal trials as part of the analytical team.
• Carry out experiments to assess biochemical/chemical analytes in human and animal biological samples, foodstuffs and/or ingredients on a range of analytical instruments (GC, GC-MS) using established methods to a high degree of precision and accuracy. 
• Design new processes or apparatus by adapting existing techniques and components to or undertake modifications to methods requiring some innovation.
• Design, optimise and validate analytical methods for new biochemical analytes.
• Prepare clear and accurate standard operating procedures for new/modified protocols.
• Undertake maintenance of all instrumentation in the lab and have a demonstrated ability to identify and correct instrumentation faults.
• Prepare quotes/proposal, service agreements and study reports. 
• Effectively manage projects, including budgets, to ensure delivery on time and within budget.

Location:  Adelaide, South Australia
Salary:  AU$87k – AU$98k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:  Indefinite
Reference:  86886

To be considered you will need:

1. A relevant honours degree, or 5 years’ experience in a similar analytical chemist role. 
2. Demonstrated experience in the use of Gas Chromatography, and Gas chromatography – mass spectroscopy, including associated sample preparation techniques and method development, encompassing the chemical analysis of nutrients and bioactives in food and food components and/or metabolites in human and animal biological samples (faeces, blood and urine).
3. Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot issues in experimental protocols and undertake routine maintenance of analytical equipment.
4. Demonstrated understanding of chemical safety and familiarity with good laboratory practice. 
5. Experience in the operation of and development of methods by HPLC or LC-MS is desirable, as is experience with analysis of samples from clinical trials. 
6. Due to the nature of the work current vaccinations or a willingness to obtain them are essential for Hep A, Hep B and tetanus.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens, New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents only.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work.  Talk to us about how this role could be flexible for you.  Balance

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit diverse people and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish.  Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

About CSIRO

At CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. 

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

4 September 2022, 11:00pm AEST/AEDT