Experimental Scientist, Force Standards - [Archived Advertisement]

Experimental Scientist, Force Standards
APS Level 5, National Measurement Institute

About the National Measurement Institute

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.

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 on being, adaptable, innovative, accountable, strategic, inclusive and influential.

About the branch

The Physical Metrology branch leads the development, maintenance and dissemination of Australia’s peak physical measurement standards. We provide the traceability assurance that measurements made in Australia are accepted internationally. The branch is an active participant in international measurement forums. Through the delivery of a range of calibrations and other measurement services, branch staff share their expertise with Australian and international stakeholders. This includes support for research, process improvements, product optimisation, and better measurement practice across the economic landscape.

About the Force Standards team

The National Measurement Institute’s (NMI) Force Standards team develops and maintains Australia’s most accurate standards for measurement of Force (up to 450 tonnes), delivering calibration and consultancy services from internationally recognised state-of-the-art laboratories: such as the southern hemisphere’s only 55 tonne deadweight force machine. Our activities are accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities, as well as through regular review by international peers. The group provides key services to the mining, safety, advanced manufacturing, defence and aerospace industries. We have a wide range of research and development underway to support emerging needs such as accurate dynamic and shock force measurement, extending our capabilities to higher compression and tension forces, and further reducing NMI’s uncertainties.

What’s in it for you?

NMI values continuous learning and is committed to supporting staff to reach their full potential and to gain valuable and transferable skills. You will have the opportunity to:

• Gain experience in the development and operation on complex automated heavy-engineering mechatronics systems, instrumentation and data acquisition.
• Gain experience and familiarity with the operation of a calibration laboratory under an ISO 17025 quality system.
• Gain experience with the calibration of load cells in accordance with international standards such as ISO 376:2011.
• Work with leading researchers in the fields of force and acceleration in the development of innovative new measurement standards for shock and dynamic force.
• Gain familiarity with the build-up of traceability of force measurements to Australia’s primary mass standards and with the calculation and propagation of measurement uncertainties in accordance with international standards such as JCGM 100:2008.

Our ideal candidate

The position is suited to new graduates, laboratory technicians and NATA-lab metrologists. You will:

• Have a science or engineering degree or equivalent laboratory experience.
• Establish and maintain respectful and productive working relationships.
• Possess both practical and analytical mechanical engineering skills.
• Have experience in the preparation of technical reports.
• Be self-driven and able to work independently.
• Have experience delivering scientific and technical outcomes efficiently and independently in accordance with a quality system and service agreements.
• Have well developed safety awareness and competence.

What you will do

Working alongside Australia’s national experts you will develop and refine your skills. As an Experimental Scientist, you will:

• Deliver reference load cell calibration services to clients, under a NATA accredited ISO17025 quality system.
• Contribute to a major project to recalibrate Australia’s only 550 kN deadweight force machine through a build-up system to Australia’s primary mass standard.
• Assist NMI scientists from NMI’s Force and Vibration standards teams to develop and validate new primary standards for assessing the frequency response of high-capacity load cells.
• Take responsibility for laboratory housekeeping and routine maintenance.

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

NMI’s Force laboratory operates at Lindfield.

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette. The current vacancy is a 12 month non-ongoing opportunity.

How to apply

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 5000 characters (approximately 750 words) and should align to the key duties listed above. 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 recruitment@industry.gov.au or (02) 6276 1235 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 on this vacancy, please contact Mark Tucker on +61 2 8467 3437 or Mark.Tucker@measurement.gov.au.

Applications close: 01 Mar 2023 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Daylight Time