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 clear 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 Chemical and Biological Metrology Branch is Australia's national reference for accurate and trusted measurement in chemistry and biology. It provides measurement standards including certified reference materials, 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 these fields and carries out research and development to enhance our capabilities in line with national and international requirements. The NMI's Australian Forensic Drug Laboratory (AFDL) is a team of scientists providing forensic science services to government agencies such as the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force (ABF). The AFDL performs routine identification and quantification of illicit drugs seized by the AFP and ABF for prosecution, reporting and intelligence purposes. The AFDL also performs chemical profiling of illicit drugs to determine geographical origin of cultivated drugs and the synthetic route of manufactured drugs. This forms the basis of strategic and tactical intelligence reports used by law enforcement to assist drug trafficking disruption. The opportunity As the Director of AFDL you will shape and oversee delivery of NMI's forensic chemistry services to ensure that they have maximum impact and align with the strategic direction and priorities of the NMI. At the Director level you will leverage off and build on existing national and international networks to ensure that the NMI takes advantage of the latest advances in forensic chemistry and technology and contributes to the development of forensic science. The AFDL Director will continue to evolve the NMI profiling and evidential chemical programs to ensure it can detect and provide chemical intelligence on changes in the illicit drug landscape. 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 be an experienced senior leader with highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills. They will have a proven track record for the delivery of high-quality forensic drug services to law enforcement stakeholders and a background as a forensic practitioner. The successful candidate will hold tertiary level qualification in Chemistry or equivalent with a strong ability to apply their organic chemistry knowledge to forensic drug analysis, intelligence reporting and legal settings. Have experience in forensic drug analysis and in the profiling of illicit drugs, with an ability to interpret complex results and produce reports of strategic and tactical value for stakeholders. Be a strategic thinker with a strong track record in innovation across technical processes and management systems. Be a strategic thinker and have demonstrated experience in leading research in the field of forensic drugs and organic chemistry. Have demonstrated high level communication, negotiation and influencing skills with a track record in building and maintaining productive working relationships within the organisation and with national and international stakeholders. Have demonstrated experience working as part of a team of senior managers to contribute to high-level decision making on strategy and operations. Demonstrate the ability to consistently exhibit the NMI values of adaptability, accountability, innovation, inclusivity, influence and strategy. 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. The key duties of the position include As the Director you will: Deliver NMI's forensic drug program, driving the strategic direction and evolving the program to ensure maximum impact. Liaise closely with key stakeholders (AFP, ABF and CDPP) to ensure alignment with their needs and provide high quality services and professional advice, including opinion statements pertaining to the legality of novel psychoactive substances, drugs and drug precursor chemicals. Maintain NMI's strong reputation in the national and international forensic community through research and publication and maintenance of relationships with key bodies such as the National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS), Australian New Zealand Forensic Executive Committee (ANZFEC) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US DEA). Ensure AFDL operates as a national centre of excellence and maintains the highest quality standards. Lead innovation, including programs to update critical ICT infrastructure, such as NMI's Laboratory Information Management System. Ensure the effective management of AFDL, including financial performance and resourcing. Contribute as a senior leader to branch activities and broader NMI programs and strategic direction. Lead and mentor staff and contribute to a safe, healthy, diverse and inclusive workplace where all people's contributions are valued.
