Unveiling ANSTO: Your 60-Second Guide to a Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s like to work at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)? We’ve read through the 2023–24 Annual Report so you don’t have to! In the quick rundown below, you’ll discover why ANSTO is a hub for cutting-edge research and innovative scientific solutions—from pioneering nuclear medicine to collaborating on advanced manufacturing projects. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a fresh grad, this guide will give you a snapshot of what to expect if you’re eyeing a dynamic career in the Australian Public Service.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
Location: Primarily Lucas Heights (NSW) and Clayton (VIC), Australia
CEO: Shaun Jenkinson
Total Revenue: Approximately $464 million (2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: ~1,700
THE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited:
Bachelor of Science (Physics / Chemistry / Biology) – Essential for lab work, research, and data analysis in nuclear science.
Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical / Mechanical / Nuclear) – Key to designing and operating nuclear reactors and cutting-edge facilities.
Bachelor of Business / Commerce – Useful for procurement, financial analysis, and project management in high-stake scientific ventures.
Master of Data Analytics / Computer Science – Vital for handling complex datasets, simulations, and cybersecurity tasks.
MBA (with a technical or scientific undergrad) – Perfect for leading multidisciplinary teams and managing large-scale government projects.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited:
Project Management (e.g. PRINCE2, Agile PM) – Enables smooth delivery of major scientific and infrastructure projects.
Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) – Crucial for compliance, health, and safety in nuclear operations.
Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) – Invaluable for budgeting, grants management, and financial oversight.
Certified Professional Engineer (Engineers Australia) – Signifies advanced engineering capabilities under Australian standards.
Cybersecurity Certifications (e.g. CISSP, CISM) – Needed to protect sensitive nuclear data and advanced IT infrastructure.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited:
Electrical Trades – Maintaining and repairing sophisticated power systems in nuclear settings.
Mechanical Fitter / Technician – Ensuring the reliability of mechanical parts in research reactors and labs.
Laboratory Technician – Supporting experiments, preparing samples, and maintaining instrumentation for R&D.
Instrumentation and Control Technician – Managing technical controls and automated processes vital to safe reactor operations.
Welding / Fabrication Specialist – Constructing and repairing specialized components for experiments and facility upgrades.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited:
Scientific & Analytical Thinking – Interpreting data, solving research problems, and informing evidence-based decisions.
Project Coordination – Keeping timelines, budgets, and diverse teams on track across multiple locations.
Safety Mindset – Working under stringent protocols to protect people and infrastructure.
Stakeholder Engagement – Collaborating with government agencies, universities, and industry to maximize research impact.
Technical Writing & Documentation – Converting complex scientific findings into user-friendly manuals, proposals, and policy briefs.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited:
Previous Public Sector Experience – Familiarity with government frameworks gives you a head start.
Laboratory Research & Development – Hands-on lab or fieldwork is directly applicable to ANSTO’s R&D environment.
Engineering Maintenance on Large-Scale Projects – Skills in operational safety and facility upgrades are highly transferrable.
Financial or Commercial Management – Strong oversight skills can improve procurement outcomes and resource allocation.
Project Coordination / Leadership – Orchestrating multiple stakeholders to complete high-complexity projects on time and within budget.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
Name of CEO: Shaun Jenkinson
Location: Lucas Heights (NSW), Clayton (VIC), and national partnerships
Year Founded: 1987 (building upon over 70 years of Australian nuclear science heritage)
Main Mission and Purpose:
ANSTO’s core mission is to harness nuclear science, technology, and engineering for the benefit of all Australians. One prime example is the local production of nuclear medicines that support thousands of life-saving procedures every week.Main Duties of the Department:
Nuclear Medicine Production – About 80% of nuclear medicine used in Australia, serving 10,000+ procedures weekly.
Research & Innovation – Leveraging facilities like the OPAL reactor and the Australian Synchrotron for breakthroughs in health, the environment, and advanced materials.
Waste Management & Stewardship – Safely storing and reducing waste from nuclear processes using cutting-edge technology like Synroc®.
Government Advisory – Providing expert counsel on nuclear safety, technology, and environmental monitoring to federal and state bodies.
Collaboration & Community – Partnering with universities and industries for research outcomes that support economic growth and improve public wellbeing.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans & Initiatives:
Modernizing Nuclear Medicine Facilities – Upgrading infrastructure to ensure continued sovereign supply of critical radiopharmaceuticals.
BRIGHT Beamline Program – Adding new beamlines at the Australian Synchrotron to dramatically expand research capabilities.
Critical Minerals & Advanced Manufacturing – Driving R&D to strengthen Australia’s role in green energy supply chains.
Space and Defence Research – Providing radiation testing and expert advice for satellites, secure communications, and advanced engineering.
Did You Know?
The OPAL reactor is one of the world’s best multi-purpose research reactors, enabling neutron beam research, silicon irradiation (for advanced electronics), and the production of nuclear medicines! ⚛️
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: ~1,700
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:
Ranges from entry-level (APS-equivalent) roles to highly specialized, internationally regarded research and executive positions.Salary Bands:
Entry-Level / Early Career: Approximately $60,000 – $90,000
Mid-Level Specialist / Engineer / Scientist: Approximately $90,000 – $130,000
Senior / Leadership / Expert: $130,000 – $200,000+
Average Salary in the Department: Around $100,000 – $120,000 (estimation; actual figures vary by role and tenure).
Total Revenue: ~$464 million (from 2023–24 Annual Report)
Average Revenue per Employee: Roughly $273,000 ($464M ÷ 1,700)
GETTING A JOB AT ANSTO
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Laboratory Techniques
Radiation Safety
Drafting (Engineering)
Electronics / Instrumentation
Business Administration
Bachelor / Master Level:
Nuclear, Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science
IT, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Machine Learning
Finance, Project Management, Public Policy
Business Administration (with a focus on leadership and strategic planning)
PhDs:
Nuclear Science & Technology
Radiobiology / Medical Physics
Advanced Materials / Particle Physics
Environment & Climate Studies (using isotopic analyses)
Data-Driven Research (AI, Machine Learning for large-scale science)
Which Trades & Professions Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Electrical and Mechanical Fitters, Instrumentation Technicians, Laboratory Technicians, and High-Precision Welders—capable of maintaining and advancing ANSTO’s world-class research infrastructure.
Which Work Experiences Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Public Sector Familiarity, Lab or Field R&D, Major Engineering or Maintenance Projects, Procurement and Commercial Management, and High-Complexity Project Leadership.
Which Skills Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Soft Skills: Collaboration, stakeholder engagement, communication, leadership, and adaptability.
Technical Skills: Radiation safety procedures, data analysis, cyber resilience, nuclear engineering, high-level instrumentation.
General Skills: Project scheduling, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and proficient technical documentation.
Which Hobbies & Interests Align with the Work of This Department?
STEM Enthusiasm: Coding projects, robotics, electronics tinkering
Environmental Exploration: Interest in sustainable energy, field science, and nature conservation
Health & Community Involvement: Volunteering in healthcare, contributing to medical or educational outreach
Want more information on this department?
Contact ANSTO:
Address: New Illawarra Rd, Lucas Heights NSW 2234
Telephone: +61 2 9717 3111
Email: enquiries@ansto.gov.au
Website: www.ansto.gov.au
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