Senior/Principal Automation Specialist
Position Overview
- Ongoing| Full Time | $115k - $149k +15.4% super
- Cafe on site | Swimming pool | free parking | campus-based environment
- Design and lead automation solutions for radiochemical processes, enhancing safety, reliability and scalability across Health RTG facilities, from controlled environments to long-term capability development.
About the Opportunity
Senior Automation Specialist - Band 6
The Senior Automation Specialist is responsible for designing, developing and implementing automated and semi-automated systems that enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency of radiochemical processes across the Health Research and Technology Group (Health RTG). The role focuses on translating radiochemical workflows into practical engineered solutions suitable for deployment in controlled environments such as hot cells, fume hoods and gloveboxes.
Principal Automation Specialist - Band 7
The Principal Automation Specialist provides leadership in the development of radiochemistry automation across the Health RTG to strengthen ANSTO’s sovereign capability in radioisotope and radiopharmaceutical development. The role sets technical standards, leads complex and high-risk automation initiatives, and shapes long-term capability and infrastructure planning to support safe, scalable and translationally ready radiochemical processes.
About You
'This is an exciting hands-on opportunity for someone who enjoys building real-world automation in a complex research environment. You’ll design and develop practical solutions that work within tight spaces, specialised containment systems and areas where radioactive materials are handled. If you’re motivated by challenging technical problems, creative engineering and contributing to innovations that directly advance Australia’s nuclear medicine capability, we encourage you to apply' - Andrew Winthorpe - Principal Radiochemist
Your Duties and Responsibilities
Key Accountabilities Band 6
- Utilise expert knowledge to ensure the effective design, development and deployment of automated and semi-automated systems that improve the safety, reliability and translational readiness of radiochemical processes.
- Design, develop, assemble, program and operate automated and semi-automated systems that provide innovative solutions for the delivery of safe, reliable and validated radiochemical separations, sample and materials handling, and synthesis workflows, incorporating appropriate controls, monitoring and data capture, supporting research across Health RTG.
- Conduct and support small-scale routine radioisotope production and propose, evaluate, validate and execute new and improved production methods for routine supply of radioisotopes to ANSTO’s user communities.
In addition to performing all Band 6 key accountabilities, the key accountabilities for a band 7 position include:
- Provide leadership to shape the long-term direction of radiochemistry automation, establishing technical standards, capability roadmaps and investment priorities that enhance safety, reliability, scalability and national impact across the Health RTG.
- Lead the design, delivery and governance of complex, high-risk or multi-platform automation initiatives, ensuring robust system architecture, lifecycle planning, regulatory compliance and alignment with ANSTO’s broader research and commercialisation strategies.
- Develop and drive cross-organisational collaboration by influencing senior stakeholders, integrating automation capabilities across facilities and programs, and guiding strategic partnerships with national and international organisations to accelerate innovation and translational readiness.
Please click here to view the Position Description.
About Us
ANSTO leverages great science to deliver big outcomes. We partner with scientists and engineers and apply new technologies to provide real-world benefits. Our work improves human health, saves lives, builds our industries and protects the environment. ANSTO is the home of Australia's most significant landmark and national infrastructure for research. Thousands of scientists from industry and academia benefit from gaining access to state-of-the-art instruments every year.
Benefits of Working with Us
ANSTO employees are passionate about what they do. We enjoy being part of an organisation making a difference in the lives of Australians.
We support and reward our employees through eligibility for:
- Training, development and mentoring opportunities
- Performance based salary increases
- Work-life balance with generous leave entitlements and flexible conditions
If you want to join a world class organisation that's making a difference in the lives of Australians, apply now!
How to Apply
For further technical information relating to this position please refer to the Position Description or contact Andrew Winthrope on (02) 9717 7679. For all other queries please contact Talent Acquisition on +61 (02) 9717 3740.
To be eligible for appointment, applicants will require a security and pre-employment medical assessment.
Application closing date: 26 January 2026 at 11:59pm
All applicants must be Australian citizens.
In order to solve great challenges, we need great minds and great teams. At ANSTO, we understand that diverse teams produce better outcomes and we value the merit that a diverse perspective can bring to our team. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, primary carers, those with a disability, and women in STEM. ANSTO is a charter member of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative and is proudly taking action to create a gender-inclusive workforce.