Overview
We are seeking two motivated and organised Technical Officers to join our technical services team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with laboratory experience who enjoys practical, hands-on work and supporting student learning in a dynamic teaching environment.
In this role, you will provide technical support for undergraduate teaching laboratories, ensuring classes run smoothly, safely, and efficiently. You will work closely with academic staff, students, and fellow technical team members to prepare laboratory activities, maintain equipment and instrumentation, and contribute to a positive and safe learning experience.
This position would suit someone who enjoys problem-solving, working with laboratory equipment, and being part of a collaborative team that supports teaching excellence.
What you'll be doing
* Preparing laboratories, equipment, materials, and instrumentation for teaching classes
* Supporting and supervising students during laboratory sessions
* Maintaining laboratory equipment and assisting with troubleshooting and routine maintenance
* Managing laboratory inventory, stock control, and purchasing processes
* Assisting with laboratory documentation, procedures, and compliance requirements
* Supporting laboratory work health and safety practices and maintaining safe laboratory environments
* Working collaboratively with academic staff and technical colleagues to support teaching outcomes
These continuing roles are fulltime at a HEW 5 Higher Education worker Level and are located at Ourimbah Campus (Darkinjung land).
About you
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
* Demonstrated laboratory skills and familiarity with scientific equipment and instrumentation
* Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative approach to teamwork
* A proactive attitude and willingness to learn new systems, equipment, and processes
* A Science Degree or Diploma, or equivalent relevant qualification and experience
Experience in food science and/or chemistry will be highly regarded, along with experience using analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, FTIR, or GCMS, including equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
What success looks like
In your first few months, you will build strong working relationships with the technical team and academic staff, become familiar with laboratory spaces and processes, and begin supporting undergraduate teaching laboratories with confidence. Over time, you will develop into a reliable technical contact for laboratory operations, demonstrating strong capability across equipment maintenance, laboratory preparation, inventory management, purchasing processes, and WHS practices.
About our University
The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader with a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and beyond, guided by values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability. The Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2025-2030 outlines our commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.
For more information, please visit the University's website.
What we offer
We offer a range of benefits to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.
* Full-time equivalent remuneration in the specified range plus superannuation and excellent employment conditions
* Flexible working arrangements
* 35 hour week
* Superannuation and salary packaging
* Additional leave provisions and family-friendly entitlements
* Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
* Wellbeing programs
Your next steps
Please visit the university's careers site for a guide on how to apply for a role. If viewing on a job board, please click Apply to reach the university website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application.
Your application must include:
* Your resume
* A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
* A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the job description with examples
To ensure that your application receives full consideration, please structure and address the selection criteria in the application process. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.
Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the Essential Criteria as one PDF document.
Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).
Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
For specific position enquiries, please contact Tim Kirkman, Technical Manager, Applied Sciences at (02) 4913 8760 or via email Timothy.Kirkman@newcastle.edu.au
Having difficulties? Please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au
Closing date: Sunday 14th June 2026 @ 11:59pm AEST
Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for every member of our community. We are dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people living with disability, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
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