Analytical Chemist, Food Safety

Our client is a highly regarded Federal Government scientific laboratory supporting analytical testing, measurement and compliance services across food, health and related sectors. Their Port Melbourne laboratory is seeking an experienced Analytical Chemist to support food safety testing within a regulated, quality-driven environment.

This role is focused on the analysis of agrichemical, antimicrobial, veterinary drug and other residues in food-related samples. It will suit someone with strong hands-on analytical chemistry experience, particularly using LCMS/MS and/or GCMS/MS instrumentation.

This is not a general food microbiology role. The focus is chemical residue analysis, sample preparation, instrument operation, data review, QA/QC and reporting within an accredited laboratory environment.

Duties include:

• Preparing and extracting food-related samples for analysis.
• Performing routine to moderately complex residue analysis.
• Operating LCMS/MS and/or GCMS/MS instrumentation.
• Completing instrument start-up, sequence preparation and data acquisition.
• Reviewing analytical data and QA/QC results against acceptance criteria.
• Identifying issues and escalating non-conformances where required.
• Validating and reporting analytical results through LIMS.
• Supporting accredited laboratory quality systems and internal procedures.
• Performing routine calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Assisting with method validation, documentation and capability development.
• Managing workload in line with rosters, work plans and turnaround times.
• Working collaboratively with supervisors, chemists and laboratory staff.

You will have:

• Australian Citizenship, essential.
• Tertiary qualifications in chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on experience operating LCMS/MS and/or GCMS/MS instrumentation.
• Experience in sample preparation, extraction, data review and reporting.
• Exposure to food, residue, contaminant or trace-level analytical testing.
• Experience working in a NATA-accredited or ISO 17025 laboratory environment.
• Strong understanding of QA/QC principles and data integrity requirements.
• Experience using LIMS for result validation and reporting.
• Ability to manage priorities and meet turnaround times in a busy laboratory.
• Strong attention to detail and clear written and verbal communication skills.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Analytical Chemist to join a respected Federal Government laboratory environment, supporting important food safety and analytical measurement work.

Applicants must be Australian citizens and able to complete required pre-engagement checks, including a police check and Baseline security clearance process.

Contract details:

• Port Melbourne location.
• Full-time hours.
• Initial 6-month contract.
• 12-month extension option.
• Expected start in late May 2026.
• Federal Government laboratory environment.

If you are an Analytical Chemist with strong mass spectrometry experience and want to work in a technically focused laboratory role with meaningful national impact, please apply with your resume and cover letter or email Mburne@baysidegroup.com.au.