The key duties of the position include The Role We are seeking highly motivated Chemistry Specialists with a passion for delivering innovative and valued outcomes to Defence as part of the Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Defence (CBRND) Major Science and Technology Capability (MSTC). The Chemistry Specialist will work within one of two chemistry focused Science and Technology Capabilities (STCs): Chemical Defence (CD) or Chemical Biological Defence Systems (CBDS). Successful applicants will provide a leading contribution to achieve individual and team outputs aligned with the following roles: S&T5 Chemistry Specialist (Verification and Attribution) The successful applicant will apply expertise in mass spectrometry to identify and verify the presence of relevant Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) Scheduled chemicals, their precursors, degradation products or biomarkers in a range of complex matrices. They will enhance DSTG capability to support verification and attribution investigations for cases of alleged or suspected use of chemical warfare agents, while building and maintaining expertise within the team to deliver agreed outputs. They will adhere to quality assurance processes (NATA, ISO17025) and actively contribute to continual enhancement of the quality system. S&T5 Chemistry Specialist (Hazard Management) The successful applicant will apply expertise in analytical, surface and physical chemistry techniques to understand decontamination processes for remediation of equipment and personnel. This includes conducting research and analysis to validate and enhance ADF capability in mitigating the hazards posed by primarily chemical threats. This evidence can then be used to provide advice on in-service decontaminants and delivery systems to enable risk mitigation and procurement decisions. S&T5 Chemistry Specialist (Chemical Detection) The successful applicant will apply expertise in applied chemistry techniques to assess current and future chemical detector and sensor technologies relevant to Defence and National Security agencies. This includes conducting evaluation and research to validate and enhance ADF capability in the detection of chemical hazards of concern. They will lead programs within one or more of the following areas: answer specific questions regarding chemical detector and sensor performance; deliver specialist training to users; and develop innovative chemical sensor technologies and concepts to address capability gaps. About our Team The Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Defence (CBRND) Major Science and Technology Capability (MSTC) within the Sensors and Effectors Division is an inclusive workforce delivering scientific advice, conducting research and developing innovative technologies to meet existing and future defence challenges. The CBRND MSTC is responsible for developing, sustaining and applying the Chemical, Biological and Physics science skills required for defence against threats from Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear weapons. The Chemistry Defence STC leads the application of chemical sciences to assess, identify, attribute and counter chemical threats in order to inform intelligence and provide timely S&T advice and support to operations and policy. The STC operates Australia's only laboratory designated by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to verify evidence of chemical warfare agent use through the analysis of environmental and biomedical samples. The Chemical Biological Defence Systems STC leads the application of chemical and material sciences to develop and assess equipment and systems that support ADF operations in CBRN environments, including personal protective equipment, chemical detectors and decontamination systems. The STC provides advice to Defence and National Security users, capability managers and acquisition teams regarding this equipment; and we use our expertise to identify equipment limitations and direct developmental efforts to mitigate capability gaps. Our Ideal Candidate People who work for Department of Defence display leadership at all levels, effectively apply information in order to solve problems and work collaboratively to achieve outcomes. We are seeking motivated and high performing Chemistry Specialists who exemplify professionalism through sharing ideas, diverse experience and perspectives and enjoy working on a broad range of tasks. Our ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate the following skills and attributes relevant to the one of the above positions: Practical experience in defining, developing, leading and delivering scientific outcomes Excellent oral and written communication, including to convey complex information and concepts to a broad spectrum of audiences including military and civilian Defence personnel, government departments and agencies, industry, academia and other stakeholders. Ability to work flexibly and effectively as an individual or collaboratively in a team; and contribute positively to workplace culture to promote science excellence and team cohesion. Demonstrable ability and willingness to contribute to all relevant regulatory, governance and quality assurance activities relevant to the role, and a commitment to Work Health and Safety practices in a laboratory environment. Develop and sustain strong relationships and collaborations within DSTG and through engagement with wider Defence, academia, industry and international government agency partners.
