Technical Officer – Metabolomics

About us

The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) is the grape and wine industry's own research organisation, supporting a sustainable and successful industry through world-class research, practical solutions and knowledge transfer.

At AWRI, our values guide everything we do:

• Excellence – delivering results that matter
• Integrity – acting with honesty, accountability and rigor
• Passion – celebrating achievements, creativity and continuous learning

About the role

Applications are invited for a Technical Officer – Metabolomics within the Metabolomics Australia South Australia node, based at the AWRI.

This is an exciting opportunity for a science professional with a passion for analytical chemistry and laboratory-based research to contribute to the delivery of metabolomics services to researchers and industry partners across Australia.

The role supports the operation of the South Australian node of Metabolomics Australia, a national research infrastructure supported through the Australian Government's National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), Bioplatforms Australia and the South Australian Government.

As the Technical Officer, you will be responsible for supporting client projects through sample preparation, chemical analysis, instrumentation operation and maintenance, data processing and reporting. You will also contribute to the development and validation of innovative metabolomics methodologies while working alongside experienced scientists in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment.

Principal accountabilities include:

• Perform sample preparation, chemical analysis, data processing and reporting for metabolomics projects.
• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation including GC/MS and LC/MS platforms.
• Assist with the development and validation of new metabolomics methods and analytical workflows.
• Support client engagement activities and contribute to the preparation of scientific reports.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation.
• Contribute to laboratory quality systems, including ISO 9001 requirements, SOPs and risk assessments.
• Assist with the dissemination of project outcomes through reports, publications, seminars and workshops.
• Support operational activities across the AWRI metabolomics facility and collaborative activities with Metabolomics Australia partners.
• Contribute to the growth and development of the facility's client base.
• Work proactively and autonomously while contributing effectively within a team environment.

About you

To be successful, you will bring:

• A degree in Science or a related discipline.
• Practical laboratory experience in analytical chemistry.
• Experience with, or a strong understanding of, chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques, particularly GC/MS and/or LC/MS.
• Experience in sample preparation, data processing and interpretation of analytical results.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work safely and accurately in a laboratory environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to build effective working relationships and contribute positively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Desirable experience
• Experience in metabolomics or the analysis of volatile and non-volatile compounds.
• Experience with food, beverage, plant or biological samples.
• Experience with NMR or other analytical platforms.
• Experience using R, Python or other data processing tools.
• Experience working within laboratory quality systems and technical reporting environments.

What success looks like (KPIs & outcomes):

• Delivery of high-quality analytical services to internal and external clients.
• Accurate and timely completion of laboratory analyses and reporting.
• Effective operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation.
• Contribution to method development, validation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Compliance with laboratory quality systems and safety requirements.
• Positive collaboration with colleagues, researchers and industry stakeholders.

Why work with us?

• Flexibility: 35-hour work week plus support to balance work and life.
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Program (staff and families), subsidised group training sessions.
• Perks: Free social club membership or Entertainment Book subscription.
• Salary packaging: Boost your take-home pay as a not-for-profit employee.
• Location: Stunning Waite Campus with bushwalking trails, café facilities and free parking.
• Purpose-driven work: Contribute to nationally significant research infrastructure supporting scientific innovation across Australia.

How to apply

A full position description is available at:

www.awri.com.au/about\_the\_awri/people/careers

Or alternatively contact Julian Snook for a copy.

For more information, please contact:

Julian Snook, HR Specialist - [email protected]

To be considered for the role you are required to submit a CV/Resume and a Cover Letter in PDF format addressing the Principal Accountabilities from the position description. Please ensure your cover letter is no longer than three pages. Applications that do not adhere to this requirement will not be considered.

Applications will be assessed as they are received.

Interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis.

Applications close COB, Friday 21 September 2026

Only applications submitted via SEEK will be accepted.

AWRI may elect to extend the advertising period if required and/or close the advertisement early if the position is filled prior.

No Recruitment Agencies Please!