Are you an experienced analytical chemist with a passion for leadership? Lead a highly skilled team delivering critical soil and plant analytical services that support Queensland's agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship, and research outcomes. As Team Leader, you will provide leadership, technical expertise, and strategic direction to ensure the delivery of high-quality analytical results that meet customer expectations. Working in a modern laboratory environment, you will drive continuous improvement, champion quality systems, contribute to method development and innovation, and provide expert chemistry advice to a diverse range of stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced scientist and leader to influence service delivery, develop team capability, and make a meaningful contribution to Queensland's future.

Job details

Are you an experienced analytical chemist looking for an opportunity to lead a highly skilled scientific team and make a meaningful contribution to Queensland's environmental and agricultural future?

The Chemistry Centre, part of the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), is seeking a motivated and collaborative Senior Chemist to lead our Soil and Plants Team at the EcoSciences Precinct in Dutton Park. In this role, you will combine scientific expertise, people leadership, and innovation to deliver high-quality analytical services that support environmental monitoring, agricultural productivity, natural resource management, and scientific research across Queensland.

Leading a team of professional and technical staff, you will oversee the delivery of analytical services for soil and plant samples using a range of sophisticated instrumentation, including ICP-OES, XRF, segmented flow analysers, and carbon and nitrogen analysers. You will play a critical role in ensuring results are accurate, reliable, timely, and fit-for-purpose while maintaining compliance with NATA quality requirements and customer expectations.

This role offers the opportunity to apply your expertise in analytical chemistry to a diverse range of environmental and scientific challenges. You will provide specialist advice, interpret and communicate scientific findings, support environmental monitoring and research programs, and contribute to projects focused on land resource assessment, land management, contamination investigations, and environmental sustainability.

As a leader within the Chemistry Centre, you will drive continuous improvement initiatives and champion innovation through the development, validation, and optimisation of analytical methods. You will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to identify emerging needs, solve complex analytical problems, and ensure the laboratory continues to deliver services that meet evolving scientific and customer requirements.

We are looking for someone who brings extensive experience in analytical chemistry and laboratory operations, along with demonstrated success leading teams in a highthroughput environment. You will be a capable people leader who can foster a positive workplace culture, develop staff capability, manage competing priorities, and support your team to achieve exceptional outcomes. Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills will be essential as you work with scientists, researchers, government partners, industry clients, and other technical specialists.

The Chemistry Centre offers a unique opportunity to work alongside leading scientific experts in a collaborative and innovative environment. Our team is recognised for excellence in analytical chemistry, method development, environmental chemistry, tracer technologies, stable isotope applications, and the delivery of high-quality scientific services that support evidence-based decision making.

If you are passionate about scientific excellence, enjoy leading people, and want to contribute to projects that deliver real benefits for Queensland's environment, agriculture, and communities, we encourage you to apply. This is an outstanding opportunity to influence the future direction of analytical services while advancing your own leadership and technical career within one of Queensland's premier scientific laboratories.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.             

Job Ad Reference: QLD/702792/26

Closing Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

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Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• 702792 26 Role Description (Word, 610KB)