Assistant Manager - Food and Health Laboratory (Biology), Executive Level 1, National Measurement Institute

• Port Melbourne
• Applications close 20 November 2026
• The salary range for this role is $126,391 - $134,225

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

We are the Australian Government’s national authority on measurement. We play an important role in the Australian economy by leading, maintaining and regulating Australia’s measurement system. We deliver world-class measurement products, advice and client services and administer the regulatory framework for measurement. Our national measurement standards are recognised internationally and we work to enhance and maintain these standards.

The Analytical Services Branch consists of a team of over 100 staff based in North Ryde and Port Melbourne. We are responsible for conducting chemical and biological measurement on a wide range of samples (including water, soil, food and pharmaceuticals). Performing a diverse range of tests (including elements, nutrients, organic contaminants and microbiological parameters). We provide analytical solutions and technical expertise for a large set of private sector and government clients across the environmental, food and health sectors, enabling them to meet their business, research and regulatory compliance needs. We also work closely with the tertiary education sector in Australia and have a number of international stakeholders.

What’s in it for you?

We value the different skills, knowledge and perspectives our employees bring. We’re committed to giving everyone an equal opportunity to participate, contribute and progress. Our values and behaviours centre around being Adaptable, Innovative, Accountable, Strategic, Inclusive and Influential.

Our ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Demonstrated leadership and people management experience in a scientific, technical or regulatory setting.
• Extensive knowledge of microbiological or biotechnology testing, laboratory operations and quality management systems.
• Strong understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements and laboratory good practice.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical, operational and organisational issues using sound judgement and evidence-based decision-making.
• Experience in project management, budgeting, resource planning, risk management and continuous improvement.
• Well-developed stakeholder engagement, negotiation, written communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to interpret and implement legislation, policies, procedures and business strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage compliance, quality assurance and operational risks.
• Thinks strategically and delivers agreed outcomes.
• Acts with integrity, accountability and sound professional judgement.
• Analyses complex information and develops practical solutions.
• Adapts to change and manages competing priorities.
• Communicates, collaborates and influences effectively.
• Demonstrates commitment to safety, quality, inclusion, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Relevant experience in both microbiology and biotechnology.

Relevant tertiary qualifications in microbiology, biotechnology, biological science or another related scientific discipline, together with substantial experience in an accredited scientific laboratory environment.

What you will do

As the Assistant Manager - Food and Health Biology Laboratory you will:

• Provide leadership and operational management within the laboratory and contribute to strategic planning and direction in consultation with the Laboratory Manager.
• Take responsibility for assigned operational, technical, quality, workforce and service delivery outcomes, including coordinating workflows, priorities and resources to meet agreed objectives.
• Lead and supervise scientific, technical and administrative staff, including work allocation, performance management, coaching, capability development and workforce planning.
• Provide high-level scientific and technical advice on complex microbiological, biotechnology, operational, quality and regulatory matters.
• Lead and oversee compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements, laboratory quality systems, relevant legislation, departmental policies, and WHS obligations. In partnership with the chemistry Assistant Manager (EL1) and under the direction of the Food and Health Laboratory Manager, ensure the effective management and continuous improvement of the Quality System by overseeing method validation and verification, equipment and metrological traceability, proficiency testing, accreditation activities, audit programs, corrective and preventive actions, and staff competency assessment.
• Lead quality assurance, audits, risk management, corrective action, continuous improvement and the implementation of operational, technical and procedural change.
• Manage technical projects, method development and validation, capability enhancement, equipment procurement and laboratory improvement initiatives.
• Plan, allocate and monitor operational resources and expenditure within delegated authority, and prepare reports, briefings and recommendations for management.
• Manage complex or sensitive customer and stakeholder matters, negotiate practical outcomes and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to recruitment, succession planning and strategies to maintain critical scientific capability, and identify emerging issues that may affect longer-term priorities.
• Promote a safe, respectful, inclusive, innovative and customer-focused workplace culture.
• Represent the laboratory and the organisation at relevant technical, professional and stakeholder forums.

Eligibility

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.

Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Notes

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette. 

The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is Port Melbourne based, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Application information

Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information.

Please provide a pitch explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role and why you are the best candidate for the position. Your pitch can contain no more than 750 words and should align to the key duties listed above.

You may use AI tools to support your application. However, all content must be accurate, authentic, and reflect your own capability in line with APS merit principles. For further guidance, please refer to the APSC’s Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment.

Please complete your application online and provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format).

Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact *************************** or (************* if you require assistance with your application.

Please refer to our Applying for a position information for additional information on how to apply.

Contact Information

For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Paul Adorno on ********** or via email on ******************************