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- Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
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At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.
The School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Science (BABS) teaches undergraduates, mentors postgraduate research students and conducts research in the disciplines of biotechnology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, environmental microbiology, medical microbiology and immunology.
The Technical Research Support Officer will take a supporting role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the research and teaching laboratories through the provision of high-quality technical support.
The position will be physically located within a research wing of BABS and actively liaise with the resident researchers and other research support Technical Officers and Technical Assistants to provide ongoing laboratory support for both research and teaching activities.
The Technical Research Support Officer will also take an active role in specific tasks in support of the School’s responsibilities in Chemical Safety, Biological Safety, Radiation Safety, Purchasing and Budgets, Training and Inductions, Equipment procurement and maintenance and/or Quarantine Administration, or any other similar duties as required, working cooperatively to support other Technical Officers.
About the role
- $88K - $100K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
- Fixed Term – 2 years
- Full time (35 hours per week)
The role of Technical Research Support Officer reports to the Technical Laboratory Manager, and has no direct reports, however will act as a operational advisor to the Level 4 Technical Assistant staff in matters of technical laboratory support.
Specific responsibilities for this role include:
- Support the day-to-day operation of research and teaching laboratories, with the assistance of the Technical Assistants. This involves setting priorities and standards of service within this role to meet requirements, and to provide hands-on support to new and existing processes, projects, and equipment.
- In consultation with other Technical Officers, contribute to the development of new or improved research and/or teaching methods within the School, and assist to identify requirements for laboratory research and/or teaching, equipment, infrastructure, services, and training.
- Procure research and teaching materials; and provide support and training as required for researchers, course convenors, and research students across the School.
- Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, evaluate existing equipment, infrastructure, service delivery and training, as well as systems, procedures, and protocols, to identify opportunities for improvement and implement change in consultation with other Technical Officers and the Technical Laboratory Manager.
- Provide technical and logistical advice to staff and students, such as demonstration of techniques and the operation of equipment and respond efficiently and courteously to requests escalating issues as required.
- Support the procurement, purchasing, asset management, stock control and safe disposal of research and teaching equipment and laboratory consumables.
- Support the BABS HSE Advisor to address WHS issues and corrective actions and monitor WHS practices within the designated area ensuring high standards of laboratory work practices are developed and maintained.
- Communicate and work effectively among the wider team including providing guidance and assistance to the Technical Assistants as required.
- Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values
- Cooperate with all health & safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the psychosocial or physical health and safety of yourself or others.
About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)
To be successful in this role you will have:
- A relevant qualification or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training and/or experience.
- An understanding of the relevant discipline and/or experience working in a teaching and/or research laboratory, including OGTR certified PC2 facilities.
- Proven technical capabilities in areas aligned with laboratory activities.
- Effective record keeping skills, including the ability to work accurately, with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to identify needs for and contribute to the development of innovative and efficient work practices.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills including the ability to prioritise work effectively.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) including the ability to liaise with a diverse group of people from varying backgrounds and appropriately handle commercially sensitive information.
- Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and contribute positively to the effective working of a team.
- An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
- Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.
Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.
Contact:
Jason Sercombe
E: jason.sercombe@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: November 3rd, 2025
Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au
UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.
UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks, and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).
