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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 (Research) position is responsible for the provision of high-level technical support for research laboratories in the School of Physics. Working closely with researchers, other technical staff, Estate Management and contractors, this role is integral to ensuring the safe and reliable operation of technical infrastructure for the School. This role is also integral to management of WHS in the research laboratories, ensuring compliance with WHS legislation and UNSW protocols and procedures, managing WHS activities and developing and implementing School safety processes.

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 and Safety Manager (Research) and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• In cooperation with the Technical and Safety Manager (Research) and lab custodians, ensure effective management of research laboratories including but not limited to the coordination of efficient day-to-day management of equipment, infrastructure and services as well as the planning, maintenance, authorisation of access and scheduling of operations.
• Liaise with UNSW Estate Management regarding building infrastructure repairs and maintenance.
• Respond in a timely manner to staff and student requests in the laboratories.
• Provide hands-on technical support for the installation, maintenance, operation, training, troubleshooting and repair of specialised research equipment and infrastructure.
• Liaise with instrument companies, external collaborators and vendors for the provision of support, consumables and equipment.
• 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.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current and impending changes to relevant WHS legislation pertaining to laboratory practices.
• Assist in the implementation of WHS initiatives and manage WHS issues by developing and improving Safe Work Procedures, Risk Management Forms, Protocols and Procedures in consultation with the Senior Technical Officers and laboratory custodians and monitor 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 a Physics or related discipline area and post-graduate qualification or significant experience and knowledge of one or more of the following:
  • Cryogenics and dilution fridges
  • Ultra-high vacuum systems
  • Optics and lasers
  • Electronics
  • Wet chemistry
• Extensive experience in the technical and safe management of research facilities.
• Demonstrated expertise in the operation and maintenance of equipment and infrastructure used in the laboratories.
• Superior organisational skills, with proven ability to establish priorities.
• 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.
• An understanding of relevant WHS legislation and other relevant regulatory requirements and capacity to implement and document relevant safe work practices.
• Ability and capacity to direct and monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the 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).