Research and Biologicals Scientist, S&T Level 5, National …, Sydney

- Sydney
- Applications close 28 May 2026
- The salary range for this role is $89,576
- $96,829 About the Department

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 explicit 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) 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. Chemical and Biological Metrology Branch 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. Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory (ASDTL) The Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory (ASDTL), as part of the National Measurement Institute, is the only World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory conducting the testing of athlete samples in the Oceania region as well as conducting research in the field of human sports anti-doping. The ASDTL provides testing service to two key clients, Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) and Sport Integrity Commission New Zealand (SICNZ), as well as international sporting federation and anti-doping organisation. The ASDTL is a proactive team that effectively manages diverse tasks under tight deadlines while ensuring delivery of high-quality services to stakeholders is maintained.

It is expected that our ideal candidate will be able to support and promote NMI's vision, mission and business objectives, by actively contributing to the ASDTL’s team goals, strategies and work plans while achieving quality outcomes and adhering to documented procedures. 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
- a vacation care subsidy
- $235 healthy lifestyle subsidy
- 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 study assistance
- access to staff counselling services. Our ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate will have:

- Immunochemical Analysis: Demonstrated experience in immunoaffinity purification of peptide hormones from urine, serum and plasma and performing haematological analysis, immunoassays, electrophoresis and Western blotting techniques for biological molecules and macromolecules related to anti-doping testing requirements
- Laboratory Operations: Extensive experience in fast-paced laboratory environments, demonstrating high attention to detail and adherence to quality standards.
- Equipment Management: Competent in maintaining, troubleshooting, and calibrating analytical chemistry instrumentation.
- Research and Communication: Strong research background with excellent oral and written scientific communication skills.
- Quality Standards and Compliance: Working knowledge of ISO 17025 accreditation requirements, WADA International Standards for Laboratories, and technical documentation for laboratory operations, including biological molecules on the WADA Prohibited List.
- Method Validation: Demonstrated ability to validate laboratory procedures to ensure reliability and reproducibility of analytical methods. 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. What you will do

As a Research and Biologicals Scientist (S&T5;), you will be responsible for conducting analytical and research activities on biological molecules to support the testing of athletes for the detection of prohibited substances in sport, as outlined below:

- Service Delivery to Stakeholders: Perform commercial analysis in peptide hormones covering sample preparation/immunopurification and analyses of biological molecules in urine and blood matrices, while meeting key performance indicators such as turnaround times and quality system requirements related ISO and WADA accreditation.
- Instrumentation & Laboratory Operations
- Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment to ensure uninterrupted analytical workflow. Techniques and systems include:
- Gel electrophoresis and Western Blotting
- Immunochemical methods using automated immunoanalysers (e.g. Cobas e411, BioMerieux Vidas Kube)
- Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), both low- and high-resolution
- Automated differential haematology analyser (e.g. Sysmex XN-1000)
- Robotic platforms for sample preparation
- Sample Management: Maintain accountability of samples and methods using laboratory information management system (LIMS) Sample Manager and other databases within ASDTL
- Research & Method Development
- Perform research and development (R&D;) and method validation activities within the Biologicals team, ensuring analytical methods meet high scientific and regulatory standards.
- Reporting & Communication
- Prepare technical reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and analytical methods, and deliver presentations to internal and external stakeholders. Eligibility

The successful candidate will have at a minimum a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or related field. Master’s degree or PhD in relevant field 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

The laboratory offers flexible working arrangements but during major sporting events there is an expectation for all staff to work shifts and on weekends or public holidays. Vaccination for Hepatitis B is required for this position. NMI will provide vaccination for the successful applicant if required. 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
- North Ryde based. This role is conducted on site and as such there is limited capacity to work flexibly outside of an ad-hoc basis. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss further. Application information

Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information. Please provide a pitch explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role and why you are the best candidate for the position. Your pitch can contain no more than 750 words and should align to the key duties listed above. Please complete your application online and provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format). Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact ***********@industry.gov.au or (02) …