Scientific Officer - Forensic Chemistry
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Scientific Officer
Remuneration: $76,378.47 - $108,941.55 per annum plus superannuation
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ639228
Location: Forensic & Analytical Science Service, Lidcombe
Applications Close: 18 February 2026 - 11:59pm
About the opportunity
The Forensic & Analytical Science Service 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/DNA, Forensic Medicine, and Environmental Toxicology.
The Criminalistics Branch has an exciting opportunity for a passionate Forensic Chemist to join our team as a Scientific Officer in either the Chemical Criminalistics Unit or the Illicit Drugs Analysis Unit. You will be engaged in a dynamic team of scientific professionals to deliver highly specialised, analytical chemistry services.
The 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. This includes ignitable liquid residues, gunshot residues, explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, riot control agents, fibres, paints, glass, polymers, adhesives, cosmetics, and lubricants.
The Illicit Drug Analysis Unit supports the NSW Police Force, NSW Communities and Justice and NSW Health. The Unit offers comprehensive testing, reporting and expert testimony on all aspects of seized illicit drugs and illicit drug manufacture, including rapid analysis for time-sensitive covert operations, submissions and drug importations. It notifies NSW Health of potentially dangerous substances or dosages identified in seized drug material, protecting public health.
Note, if applicable an Eligibility List will be created based off this recruitment.
What we can offer you
Accrued Days Off in addition to Annual Leave OR 9 day fortnight in addition to Annual Leave.
Flexible working options
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
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 the Unit, 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, 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 RITES values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence and Safety
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Amber Saidi on Amber.Saidi@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 understands NSW Health Policy Directive PD2024_015 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.
