Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Scientific Officer
Remuneration: $73,440.82 - $104,751.61 per annum plus superannuation
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ592523
Location: Forensic & Analytical Science Service, Lidcombe
Applications Close: 6 August 2025 – 11:59pm
About the opportunity
The Forensic & Analytical Science Service have an exciting opportunity for a passionate forensic chemist to join our team as a Scientific Officer. Working in the Chemical Criminalistics Unit, you will be engaged in a dynamic team of scientific professionals to deliver highly specialised analytical chemistry services.
FASS is part of NSW Health Pathology and specialises in providing independent and objective forensic analysis to the criminal and coronial justice systems, as well as quality scientific analysis that contribute to community health and safety. Our services include illicit drug analysis, forensic and drug toxicology, chemical criminalistics, forensic biology and DNA, forensic medicine, and environmental toxicology.
Our Chemical Criminalistics Unit provides specialised forensic analysis of trace evidence for the NSW Justice System and other government departments. The team examines forensic trace evidence samples and reports on casework findings, providing expert evidence on all elements of forensic chemical trace investigations.
What we can offer you
- 9 day fortnight in addition to annual leave
- Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
- Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training with RTO My Health Learning
What you'll be doing
To deliver a range of operational and analytical laboratory activities to ensure compliance with operational standards and procedures, quality standards and continual process improvement. The Scientific Officer reports, reviews reports and may be required to give evidence in any court on aspects of work performed.
The Chemical Criminalistics Unit performs chemical analysis to identify and interpret evidence in a diverse range of case types. Examples of analysis types include ignitable liquid residues, gunshot residues, explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, riot control agents, fibres, paints, glass, polymers, adhesives, cosmetics, and lubricants.
Interested in joining Australia’s largest public pathology service? Apply now by addressing the following questions:
- A Bachelor Degree or higher degree in Science or Applied Science with a major relevant to forensic chemistry, or an equivalent qualification relevant to analytical or forensic science to which the role applies
- Demonstrated experience or advanced knowledge in methods and associated technology in the specific field (forensic chemistry), in an accredited laboratory or relevant environment
- Knowledge of chemical and/or biological hazards and precautions that exist within a laboratory environment and associated responsibilities
- Ability to work in a responsible and efficient manner, and manage competing priorities while ensuring attention to detail, precision and maintaining accountability of work completed
- Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to educate internal and external stakeholders, report writing skills and willingness to provide expert evidence in courts
- Display initiative, problem solving and analytical skills including an ability to apply established principles and investigate and resolve general and complex issues within the laboratory environment
- Sound understanding of legislation, policies and requirements that impact the laboratory environment including work health and safety, privacy and quality improvement requirements
- Demonstrated capacity to adopt and model the NSWHP RITE values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence
Need more information?
For role related queries or questions contact Catherine McDonald on Catherine.McDonald2@health.nsw.gov.au
Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases
This is a Category A position. All Category A applicants must read and understand NSW Health Policy Directive PD2023_022 Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases. All recruits must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in this policy. All recruits must provide evidence against specified diseases and comply with the requirements of this policy at their own cost prior to appointment.
New to NSW Health Pathology?
The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a functional assessment prior to appointment.
Working Rights
This position is a permanent position. To be eligible for permanent appointment to a position in NSW Health, you must have an Australian citizenship or permanent Australian residency. Please note: A person who is not an Australian citizen or a permanent resident is only eligible for temporary employment for a period not longer than the duration of their current visa.
Talent Pool
If the selection panel identifies more than one suitable candidate for the role, an eligibility list will be created for future permanent full time / part time, temporary and casual vacancies.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
NSW Health Pathology is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We seek to recruit from diverse applicants and create teams with skills, perspectives and experiences that complement each other at work. We welcome suitably qualified applicants regardless of age, ethnicity, socio-cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
All staff employed by NSW FASS will be required to supply a reference buccal sample so that their DNA profile can be compared to other generated profiles to exclude the possibility of contamination.