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• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The School of Physics is one of the leading Physics schools in Australia. It offers a world class undergraduate physics degree, as well as a postgraduate PhD research program for over 50 students. 33 academic staff conduct theoretical and experimental research in quantum physics, astrophysics, fundamental physics; and condensed matter physics. UNSW is an international leader in quantum computing research and hosts the ARC Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology.

The Senior Technical Officer (Teaching) position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of Teaching Laboratories in the School of Physics. The incumbent will provide direction and leadership to a team of technical staff tasked with running teaching laboratories to support undergraduate teaching courses and laboratory focused outreach activities. This position will liaise closely with Academic Staff and external partners (UNSW College) to plan and allocate resources, including stewardship of School instruments and equipment associated with teaching laboratories. This role also has a strong WHS focus and is required to take a leading role with compliance and WHS requirements.

About the role

• $113K - $123K plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Continuing
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role reports to the Technical Laboratory Manager (Teaching) and has one direct report.

Specific responsibilities for this role include: 

• Working closely with the Technical Manager (Teaching), this role coordinates the efficient day-to-day management of equipment, infrastructure and services, primarily for the first-year lab and related technical teaching support activities, as well as the planning, maintenance, authorisation of access and scheduling of operations.
• Oversee the teaching laboratory operating budget under the direction of the Technical Manager (Teaching) and contribute to the School’s budgeting process related to teaching laboratories.
• Provide relief support to the Technical Manager (Teaching) in the oversight and operation of higher-year laboratories, as required.
• Work collaboratively with Course Coordinators and other Academic Staff to define, develop and execute teaching programs.
• Assist the Technical Manager (Teaching) in liaising with UNSW Facilities Management to ensure timely maintenance and repair of teaching building infrastructure.
• Supervise, guide and mentor the Technical Officer (Teaching) on day-to-day operational teaching lab support tasks.
• Allocation of duties and the day-to-day management of staff and student requests in the laboratories.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, evaluating existing equipment, infrastructure, service delivery and training, as well as systems, procedures and protocols, and maintaining knowledge of current and future trends and technologies, to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide recommendations for new methodologies and solutions to the School Manager/Academics and assist in implementing change.
• Support the School's outreach program, reporting recommendations and outcomes to the School Outreach Committee.
• Take a leading role in the implementation of WHS for teaching laboratories including, develop and implement risk management protocols and monitoring compliance.
• Ensure compliance by laboratory users with School and University policies on Work Health and Safety requirements. Provision of policy advice and collaboration with School and Faculty WHS Officers and laboratory supervisors and staff to this end.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and 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

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A degree in Physics or related discipline area with a depth of subsequent relevant experience and/or equivalent level of knowledge gained through education, training and/or experience.
• Extensive experience in the technical operation of teaching facilities.
• Demonstrated experience in the planning, operation, and maintenance of teaching laboratories.
• Demonstrated expertise in the operation and maintenance of equipment and infrastructure used in the laboratories.
• Knowledge and experience in educational technology and physics demonstrations.
• Experience with workshop equipment is highly desirable.
• Superior organisational skills, with proven ability to establish priorities for self and others.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a focus on understanding and communicating concepts and policies to staff, postgraduate students, undergraduate students, and visitors.
• Demonstrated ability to support and advise researchers and students on the technical aspects of laboratories and the design, development, and conduct of experiments.
• High level of analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to consider and make informed decisions regarding experimentation issues.
• Ability and capacity to direct and monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the safety management system.
• 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:
Katie McBean
E: k.mcbean@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: January 11^th, 2026

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).