Note: The salary displayed in this advertisement includes the Geoscience Australia Enterprise Agreement 3.4% salary increase effective from March 2026. Geoscience Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Cultures, and to elders past and present. About us Geoscience Australia is Australia's pre-eminent public sector geoscience organisation. We are the nation's trusted advisor on the geology and geography of Australia. We apply science and technology to describe and understand the Earth for the benefit of Australia. We apply our diverse professional expertise, our deep and trusted knowledge, our national-scale Earth observation infrastructure and our strong partnerships, to the opportunities and challenges that face our nation. Our culture Our strength lies in our people, including our diversity in backgrounds, skills and experiences, and the way we work together to respond to the emerging needs of our work. We value diversity in gender, backgrounds, culture, and experiences of our employees and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace culture that ensures everyone has equal opportunity to contribute, participate and progress. Applications from people who reflect this diversity are encouraged. Our workplace is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and offers a variety of flexible working arrangements to enhance flexibility, including remote working arrangements. What we can offer you When you work at Geoscience Australia you will have access to a range of benefits and the opportunity to experience a workplace culture that truly values and promotes diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging. To learn more about our competitive salary, free onsite parking, generous flexible working arrangements and the role you can play in growing our culture click here . Our team The Geoscience Australia Laboratory is a multi-disciplinary facility analysing a range of geological and environmental samples to support research in minerals, energy, groundwater and marine sciences. The data and quality assurance acquired by the Laboratory for government priority projects underpin an enduring legacy of publicly-available data supporting decision-making across government, communities and industry. We strongly believe that today's quality is tomorrow's reputation. The recently refurbished facility at Geoscience Australia's Symonston building operates with a skilled and innovative team using a range of advanced sample preparation and analytical tools focused on four major workflows: Sample preparation including crushing, milling and batching for external whole-rock geochemistry analysis Mineral separation and mount preparation for isotopic microanalysis and geochronology using an in-house ion microprobe (SHRIMP) facility Physical property measurements including grain-size analysis of marine sediments and acid digestion for palynology Organic and stable isotope geochemistry of potential hydrocarbon source rocks, oil and gas The Geoscience Australia Laboratory works with science project teams across Geoscience Australia covering a wide variety of minerals, energy, groundwater and marine science disciplines. The Laboratory also has links with other geoscience and related laboratory facilities across Canberra and Australia. The key duties of the position include The Laboratory provides foundational sample preparation for other Laboraotry workflows and produces fundamental data about the properties of samples to better understand the geological history of the Australian continent and its marine environment. The Geoscience Australia Laboratory has a world-class reputation for producing and managing high-quality processed samples and physical property data that underpin high-quality geological data valued by decision-makers. This valued reputation is founded on diligent application of processes and also constant innovation and improvement of those processes. We want you to join us to continue upholding and building that reputation. In this role you will: Prepare samples for mineral separation for geochronology analysis Prepare samples such as rocks, sediments and water using a variety of physical processing, mineral separation and sub-sampling techniques. Undertake basic analytical and documentation processes including using high-precision weighing balances, particle analysis instruments, magnetic susceptibility meters and digital cameras. Enter sample data and metadata in Laboratory Information Management and Quality Management systems. Work with various teams in the Laboratory, Repository and science projects to manage the handling, and consolidating and archiving of active sample material. Work with various teams in the Laboratory, Repository, science projects and external stakeholders to manage the handling, investigation, consolidating, archiving or repatriation of legacy sample material. Assist the management of consumable items in the Laboratory (for instance sample containers, disposable PPE) and aid the review and improvement of stock management processes. Demonstrate a high degree of diligence in applying standard operating and quality management procedures. Comply with mandatory work health and safety policies, chemical and radiation management procedures and take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of employees, contractors or visitors that may be affected by your conduct. Apply good time management skills to ensure all tasks are completed within set timeframes. Work with Laboratory teams on business improvement tasks including Lean reviews of work processes, revising SOPs and risk assessments, implementing quality management processes, and other improvement tasks identified by the team or section. Undertake learning and development activities and engage with communities of practice to maintain current knowledge of scientific advances. Ensure individual adherence to the Australian Public Services Values and the Code of Conduct. You will report to the Team Leader of the Sample Preparation and Physical Geology team. Timing of your tasks will be determined in agreement with the Team Leader and are expected to be within core business hours. Because of the nature of the tasks handling and manipulating physical samples using specialist equipment, the large majority of work needs to be on location at the Symonston facility. To be successful in the role you will: Demonstrate a strong commitment to Work Health and Safety matters in a Laboratory environment Establish task plans and simple project plans with measurable milestones to deliver objectives on a daily and weekly timeframe. Maintain effective performance and demonstrate flexibility to cope effectively with day-to-day work changes, shifting priorities and periods of uncertainty Monitor the priorities and process for the business area; keep self and others well informed on issues that may affect work progress Identify issues and problems and work to resolve them; identify risks and uncertainties and take account of these in planning and priority setting Think laterally; be innovative; identify and implement improved work practices Adhere to the Australian Public Service Values and Code of Conduct and consistently behave in an honest, ethical and professional way Required skills, knowledge, experience and/or qualifications Relevant tertiary qualifications in geoscience, chemistry, physics or related laboratory sciences are desirable but not necessary Demonstrated extensive experience working within a laboratory environment using analytical equipment and software such as Microsoft Word and Excel, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and analytical instrument software. Excellent written and oral communication skills
