Stable Isotope Analytical Specialist

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. Our guiding principle is 'Today's quality is tomorrow's reputation' because the data, and linked quality assurance, acquired by the Laboratory for government priority projects creates an enduring legacy of publicly-available data supporting decision-making across government, communities and industry.
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 isotope geochemistry of hydrocarbon source rocks, oil and gas including hydrogen and other organic Earth materials. 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 Australia and internationally.
The key duties of the position include: The Organic and Isotope Geochemistry team uses a range of sample preparation techniques and analytical instruments to provide data about the organic component of rock, oil and gas samples including total organic carbon with RockEval instruments, whole and separated oil and gas composition with GC, GC/MS and QQQ instruments; and fluid inclusion analysis from crushed specimens. The stable isotope instruments provides information about the isotopic composition of selected samples to provide key insights into the origins of and relationships between organic samples.
The Organic and Isotope Geochemistry team is beginning an exciting transition to a broader application of organic geochemistry to the deeper understanding of natural hydrogen, carbon capture and storage and mineral resources in Australia. This is a valuable opportunity to contribute to the development of new applications and capabilities.
As a Stable Isotope Analytical Specialist you will: Provide specialist knowledge and capability to operate Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry systems for hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen isotopic analyses from a variety of sample materials Process data, apply quality control and deliver reports; liaise with internal and external colleagues to assess data fitness and method performance Provide expert advice and interpretation about data results and analytical methods to Laboratory and science project teams Maintain analytical instruments, diagnose performance issues and coordinate repairs and upgrades with manufacturers and service providers Oversee method and technical developments in collaboration with laboratory staff, GA science projects and external partners Undertake quality assurance procedures including inter-laboratory proficiency testing Support work health and safety measures and continual improvement of safety culture and procedures Support sample processing, sample management and documentation workflows What we are looking for These are the skills and qualities that will demonstrate success include:
Attention to detail and a focus on delivering quality data and evidence-based advice in a timely manner A commitment to work, health and safety culture, policies and procedures Building and sustaining respectful, inclusive and productive relationships with Laboratory team members, science project teams and external collaborators and suppliers to share knowledge and ideas Curiosity to review laboratory processes with a view to continuous improvement and innovation A commitment to self-development and seek opportunities to extend skills and knowledge; proactively seek feedback on behaviour and work performance from supervisor, peers and subordinates, and respond to guidance The capability to meet challenges, adapt to changing or uncertain circumstances, be proactive in rescheduling and rescoping work priorities, and maintain effective performance. 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 A tertiary degree/qualification, in chemistry, or physics/engineering, is highly desirable Knowledge of contemporary analytical chemistry, preferably in stable isotope chemistry Demonstrated experience working in a laboratory and using contemporary analytical instruments and related applications to process data Excellent written and oral communication skills Are you unsure about applying?
Did you know that a Hewlett Packard internal report found that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60 per cent of the job requirements? Women and other people from diverse backgrounds tend to only apply when they check every box. If you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily meet every single point on what we are looking for, please still apply or get in touch with the contact officer to learn more about the role.
To Apply
Please visit the careers page of our website to submit your application via our e-Recruit system. Your application should include:
Your resume (no more than 3 pages) A brief statement (no more than 700 words) outlining your transferable skills, experience and capabilities related to the role and the value you would bring to Geoscience Australia. If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Junhong Chen (02) 6249 9*** or email ******
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for this position you must meet the below eligibility criteria.
Be an Australian Citizen at the closing date of application. The successful applicant must be able to obtain, hold and maintain a security clearance of an appropriate level relevant to this role. Commencement of employment is subject to the successful applicant undergoing and satisfying pre-employment screening, which includes a police history check. RecruitAbility
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the position. For more information please visit the Australian Public Service Commission website.
Hearing or speech impaired applicants are invited to use the National Relay Service by contacting 133 677, and requesting to be connected with our Recruitment team on 02 6249 9*** in order to obtain selection documentation.
Notes Technical Assistance
If you require technical assistance, call Human Resources on (02) 6249 9*** or email ******.
A merit list/pool may be created from this process. If you are successful for the merit pool, your details may be shared with other Australian Public Service agencies unless you choose not to have your details disclosed.
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