Chemists

Our chemists analyse and measure the impact chemicals have on the environment and human health. They also need to meet certain requirements to practice.

As a chemist at Forensic and Scientific Services (FSS) you'll use a range of analytical instruments and other chemical techniques in your work. These will help you determine the presence of and identity and quantity of chemicals in samples submitted to our laboratory. The types of samples you may work with include:

  • blood
  • urine
  • food
  • soil
  • drugs
  • water
  • other unusual materials.

You'll also conduct chemical comparisons to determine the likelihood of two or more materials sharing a common origin.

In addition, you'll use state-of-the-art instruments to measure the impact chemicals have on the environment and human health. You may also identify or compare materials related to criminal investigations.

Qualification requirements

To work as a chemist in FSS, you must have:

  • a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science
  • a major in chemistry where the majority of subjects studied during the undergraduate course are chemistry related.

If you're looking for work in an advance position such as senior or supervising chemist, you'll need a Master's degree or higher.

Personal skills

In addition to qualifications and registrations, you also need to be detail oriented. This is crucial for the role because the slightest detail can make a huge difference to sample analysis and interpretation of results.

You'll also need to have:

  • the ability to think laterally to find creative and innovative solutions to unique problems
  • critical thinking and problem solving skills to interpret results of tests and determine exactly what happened
  • excellent oral communications skills in case you need to explain your findings to clients or provide evidence in a court of law
  • excellent written communication skills to prepare clear and concise reports that will stand up to intense scrutiny in courts of law.

Opportunities

Our FSS chemist positions are in high demand and are competitive. They work in the following areas:

  • Public and Environmental Health, including Inorganic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry
  • Radiation and Nuclear Sciences as radiochemists
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Forensic Toxicology.

We advertise our chemist vacancies on SmartJobs and Seek.

What duties you'll undertake

Working in an FSS role, you'll liaise with and provide advice to both external and internal clients regarding analytical services, sampling, sample packaging and storage.

You may also:

  • perform automated, semi-automated and routine manual testing through a number of experimental techniques using various types of instrumentation and qualitative and quantitative methods
  • interpret results of analysis and provide those results to clients, both verbally and in writing
  • work in the field to conduct analysis, such as at crime scenes with police or for environmental sampling
  • provide expert evidence and opinion in courts of law
  • develop, validate, verify and publish novel analytical methodologies for clients
  • conduct research that contributes to the body of professional knowledge and ongoing enhancement of services FSS provides.

You'll also undertake continual professional development and ongoing quality improvement of services in accordance with National and International standards, accreditation and certification requirements.

In addition, you'll ensure the health and safety of FSS staff in accordance with workplace health and safety legislation. You'll also need to maintain the laboratory environment and associated laboratory equipment, consumables and reagents.

More information

You can find out more about chemists on the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society websites.

Last updated: 16 December 2019