This role is focused on the analysis of agrichemical, antimicrobial, veterinary drug and other residues in food-related samples. It will suit someone with strong hands-on analytical chemistry experience, particularly using LCMS/MS and/or GCMS/MS instrumentation.
This is not a general food microbiology role. The focus is chemical residue analysis, sample preparation, instrument operation, data review, QA/QC and reporting within an accredited laboratory environment.
Duties include:
- Preparing and extracting food-related samples for analysis.
- Performing routine to moderately complex residue analysis.
- Operating LCMS/MS and/or GCMS/MS instrumentation.
- Completing instrument start-up, sequence preparation and data acquisition.
- Reviewing analytical data and QA/QC results against acceptance criteria.
- Identifying issues and escalating non-conformances where required.
- Validating and reporting analytical results through LIMS.
- Supporting accredited laboratory quality systems and internal procedures.
- Performing routine calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Assisting with method validation, documentation and capability development.
- Managing workload in line with rosters, work plans and turnaround times.
- Working collaboratively with supervisors, chemists and laboratory staff.
- Australian Citizenship, essential.
- Tertiary qualifications in chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
- Hands-on experience operating LCMS/MS and/or GCMS/MS instrumentation.
- Experience in sample preparation, extraction, data review and reporting.
- Exposure to food, residue, contaminant or trace-level analytical testing.
- Experience working in a NATA-accredited or ISO 17025 laboratory environment.
- Strong understanding of QA/QC principles and data integrity requirements.
- Experience using LIMS for result validation and reporting.
- Ability to manage priorities and meet turnaround times in a busy laboratory.
- Strong attention to detail and clear written and verbal communication skills.
Applicants must be Australian citizens and able to complete required pre-engagement checks, including a police check and Baseline security clearance process.
Contract details:
- Port Melbourne location.
- Full-time hours.
- Initial 6-month contract.
- 12-month extension option.
- Expected start in late May 2026.
- Federal Government laboratory environment.