Our organisation

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is the Australian Government's primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety. Our purpose is to protect the Australian people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation, through understanding risks, best practice regulation, research, policy, services, partnerships and engaging with the community.

Section overview

The Modelling, Assessment and Emergency Preparedness (MAEP) Section provides advice, underpinned by health impact assessments and expert knowledge, to international bodies, Commonwealth departments and agencies, state and territory regulators, industry and members of the public. The section specialises in dose and risk assessment for planned, existing and emergency exposure situation, maintains expertise in modelling radiation exposure and doses to people and the environment, and maintains and coordinates expansion of the Australian National Radiation Dose Register (ANRDR). Provides support to our obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty by undertaking programs as the radionuclide National Data Centre.

What we offer

• Values and behaviours that underpin a culture characterised by commitment, respect, delivery, inclusion and collegiality.
• Opportunities to engage with national and international stakeholders, in a context that values leading practice science.
• The opportunity to pursue your interests while contributing to the Australian community.
• A commitment to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals and harness a collaborative environment. We actively encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds.
• Great working conditions including competitive salaries with 15.4% superannuation, generous leave conditions, flexible work practices, modern amenities, and free parking at both our Yallambie and Miranda sites.

To find out more about the employment conditions at ARPANSA, please refer to our Enterprise Agreement via our website.

Primary purpose of the role

In this role, you will perform a range of moderately complex scientific tasks, primarily related to supporting the update to the Australian Clinical Guidelines for Radiological Emergencies. These guidelines provide a resource for response agencies, clinicians, and public health officials to enable better understanding of health effects of radiation and guide optimal management of radiation casualties following a radiological emergency. In addition to this, other work programs may include a review of Biodosimetry in Australia, which is a method of using biological markers to estimate radiation exposure, and a review of the ARPANSA Meter Hire service, a service which allows members of the public to hire radiation meters to measure various types of radiation in and around their homes. You will also support other team projects under direction including performing risk estimates and dose calculations to determine potential health impacts to the public, workers and the environment from exposure to ionising radiation. You will work closely with other staff within the MAEP Section, and liaise with internal and external stakeholders, to ensure that advice provided is based on the latest scientific knowledge and national and international experience.

This position is part time at 0.8FTE (4 days a week).

Key accountabilities

• This role will primarily support the drafting of the update to the Australian Clinical Guidelines for Radiological Emergencies, including review of international best-practice, stakeholder engagement, document drafting and review, and liaising with expert working groups for specific areas;
• Conduct a review of Biodosimetry capability in Australia and Biodosimetry methods being developed internationally;
• Perform a review of ARPANSA’s meter hire service, identifying opportunities for improvements in the program and related processes;
• Under direction perform moderately complex and diverse tasks related to assessing risks and health impacts from exposure to radiation, with a focus on ionising radiation;
• Maintain accurate records of work performed and results obtained, and support the preparation of associated guidance documents and technical reports;
• Communicate with and provide advice to a wide variety of clients and external stakeholders.
• Undertake allocated technical tasks or activities commensurate with the APS Level 4 classification within RHS and MAEPS as required.

Our ideal candidate - job specific capabilities

You must possess a tertiary degree in a branch of the physical sciences, from an Australian educational institution or a comparable qualification. A sound knowledge of physics and radiation protection is advantageous.  

You will have well developed interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute effectively in a team environment, together with the ability to liaise with all levels of staff, clients and members of the general public. You will have the ability to consistently perform efficiently and effectively at a high level.  

You must hold Australian citizenship and be prepared to travel interstate from time to time as required.  ARPANSA requires all new employees to obtain and maintain a national security clearance as a condition of engagement. You must also meet required pre-employment checks as necessary.

Selection criteria

The selection criteria for this role are:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of emergency preparedness and response concepts for nuclear or radiological incidents, including medical response.
2. Capability to undertake reviews and provide recommendations.
3. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and build and sustain positive relationships with team members, stakeholders and clients.
4. Demonstrated communication and liaison skills including the ability to impart complex information clearly, and the capacity to produce reports which are clear, concise and readily understood by the intended audience.

Eligibility

Employment with ARPANSA is subject to:

• conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999
• agency and role specific pre-employment security checks that may include, but are not limited to:
  • entitlement to work in Australian
  • national criminal history
  • international criminal history
  • professional memberships
  • qualifications
  • sanctions
  • anti-money laundering & counter-terrorism financing
  • ASIC banned & disqualified persons
  • ASIC credit registered persons
  • bankruptcy & national personal insolvency
  • directorship
  • global media check
• former Australian Government employer information sharing
• Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) security clearance eligibility requirements
• evidence of citizenship status required
• evidence of qualifications required of the role
• internal security assessment
• security clearance vetting
• the CEO of ARPANSA, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.

The Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website provides detailed information about the requirements for obtaining a security clearance at the required level, the documentary evidence you will be required to provide, the forms that need to be completed, and the relevant timeframes. Please ensure that you are able to provide the required evidence if you apply for the position. Failure or refusal to complete the required forms, or to comply with reasonable requests from AGSVA, will result in ARPANSA withdrawing your security clearance application, and your employment with the agency not progressing.

ARPANSA is responsible for assessing how information relates to the agency’s security risks, as well as a person’s suitability for employment by the agency. ARPANSA will use the information you provide to undertake relevant checks in order to identify any factors or circumstances that pose a security risk to the agency and assess whether you are suitable to have access to the agencies non-public assets. You will be notified if you are assessed as unsuitable for employment by the agency.

How to apply

Applications can be lodged through ARPANSA Recruitment Portal. Your application should consist of a resume, and a ‘500-word pitch’ that considers:

• Key accountabilities
• Job specific capabilities
• Selection criteria.

ARPANSA recognises the need for our workforce to reflect the community we serve and provide an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity.  We strongly encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

RecruitAbility

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy.  Under the RecruitAbility scheme applicants who choose to apply under the scheme will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy, where they meet the minimum requirements for the position.  ARPANSA will provide reasonable adjustments or flexibilities in the recruitment process as requested.  For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability.

Merit pool

The selection process will establish a merit pool that may be used to fill similar positions within 18 months of advertising.