Role Overview
The Technical Officer/Senior Technical Officer is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of both high risk and general teaching and research laboratories within the School of Chemical Engineering, in accordance with UNSW Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies and relevant legislation. The role involves shared responsibility for laboratories undertaking high risk activities (hazardous chemicals, compressed & toxic gases, pressurised systems, glove boxes, high temperature equipment, and safety critical infrastructure) and provides technical oversight and operational coordination of non-high‐risk laboratories, ensuring consistent standards of safety, functionality and service delivery across the School.
Key Responsibilities
* Apply independent technical judgement to manage risk critical systems while supporting routine laboratory operations.
* Coordinate laboratory user training, equipment maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Collaborate with the Senior Technical Manager to oversee laboratory risk management, health and safety compliance, and operational planning.
* Serve as the primary point of contact for laboratory incidents, alarms, equipment failures and near‐misses.
Employment Terms
* Full Time – 35 hours per week
* Fixed‐Term – 2 years
* Location: Kensington, Sydney, Australia (on‐campus attendance required)
* Salary: Level 6 – $103,866 – $110,801 per annum plus 17 % superannuation. Level 7 available for the right candidate: $113,926 – $123,301 plus super.
Qualifications & Experience – Level 6
* Relevant qualification with subsequent practical experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience (Chem. Eng., Material Science & Engineering highly desirable).
* Practical experience handling laboratory chemicals and gases following approved WHS procedures; experience with gas cylinders and glove boxes highly desirable.
* Experience operating, maintaining and managing scientific instrumentation and IT‐based laboratory management systems.
* Experience implementing safety systems and training students or staff in safe working practices in complex laboratory environments.
* Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills, ability to work collaboratively with academic and professional staff.
* Proficient computing skills, including Microsoft applications and UNSW approved platforms for lab operation and financial management.
* Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently as part of a wider technical team.
Qualifications & Experience – Level 7
* Hands‐on expertise in at least one area of Chemical Engineering (e.g., process control, rheology, tissue culture, nanomaterials, catalysis).
* Independent technical judgement in situations where established procedures may not fully address risk.
* Demonstrated experience managing laboratory incidents, alarms, equipment failures, near‐misses with immediate risk mitigation and escalation.
* Experience commissioning, maintaining and overseeing safety critical laboratory equipment and infrastructure.
* Ability to develop, review and implement risk assessments, Safe Work Procedures and emergency response documentation for high‐risk activities.
* Senior technical advice on laboratory design, infrastructure upgrades and equipment selection.
* Coordinating audits, inspections, incident investigations and implementing corrective actions.
* Identifying systemic risks and driving continuous improvement in laboratory safety and operations.
Pre‐Employment Checks
* National and International Criminal history checks
* Work‐entitlement verification and ID checks
* Working With Children Checks
* Gender‐Based Violence Prevention Declaration
* Verification of qualifications and professional memberships
* Employment history and reference checks
* Financial responsibility assessments
* Medical Checks and Assessments
EEO Statement
UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
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