The Opportunity
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 a shared responsibility for laboratories undertaking high risk activities, including those involving hazardous chemicals, compressed and toxic gases, pressurised systems, glove boxes, high temperature equipment, and safety critical infrastructure. In parallel, the role also provides technical oversight and operational coordination of non-high-risk laboratories, ensuring consistent standards of safety, functionality, and service delivery across the School. Working alongside the Senior Technical Manager, the Technical Officer applies independent technical judgement to manage risk critical systems while supporting routine laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, user training, and continuous improvement. The role reports to Senior Technical Manager, School of Chemical Engineering and has no direct reports.
- Full Time (35 hours a week)
- Fixed-Term: 2 years
- Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia (on campus attendance required)
- Salary, Level 6: $103,866 - $110,801 per annum + 17% superannuation
(Level 7 is available for the right candidate: $113,926 - $123,301 + super)
About UNSW
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.
The Faculty of Engineering at UNSW continues to be a national and international leader in engineering research and education, cementing its status as the University’s premier research faculty. As the largest Engineering Faculty in Australia, it graduates the highest number of engineers and maintains the largest research expenditure in the country. Through excellence in both fundamental and applied research, the Faculty strives to sustain and further its global impact, aiming to be ranked among the top engineering faculties worldwide. For more information, visit the Faculty website: https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/about-us
Skills and Experience:
Level 6 -
- Relevant qualification with subsequent practical experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A qualification in Chemical Engineering, or Material Science and Engineering is highly desirable.
- Practical experience handling laboratory chemicals and gases in accordance with approved WHS procedures. Working experience in handling gas cylinders and glove boxes are highly desirable.
- Demonstrated experience operating, maintaining and managing scientific instrumentation and experience with IT based laboratory management systems.
- Demonstrated experience implementing safety systems and initiatives, including training students and/or staff in the safe working practices in a complex laboratory environment.
- Effective communication skills and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with academic and professional staff.
- Proficient computing skills including working with Microsoft applications and UNSW approved platforms for lab operation and financial management.
- Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and the demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a wider technical team for the benefit of the School.
Level 7 –
- Demonstrated hands on expertise in at least one or more areas of the following areas of Chemical Engineering such as chemical engineering, chemical product engineering, food technology, pressurised systems, environmental and sustainability processes, process control, rheology, tissue/bacterial culture, water treatment, nanomaterials, polymers, membranes, hydrogen systems, catalysis, or carbon materials.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise independent technical judgement where established procedures may not fully address risk.
- Proven experience responding to laboratory incidents, alarms, equipment failures, and near misses, including 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, particularly for high-risk activities.
- Demonstrated ability to provide senior technical advice on laboratory design, infrastructure upgrades, and equipment selection.
- Experience coordinating audits, inspections, and incident investigations, and implementing corrective actions.
- Ability to identify systemic risks and drive continuous improvement in laboratory safety and operations.
Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description.
Pre-Employment Checks:
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:
- National and International Criminal history checks
- Entitlement to work and ID checks
- Working With Children Checks
- Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
- Verification of relevant qualifications
- Verification of relevant professional membership
- Employment history and reference checks
- Financial responsibility assessments/checks
- Medical Checks and Assessments
Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.
To Apply:
Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.
Applicants must have working rights in Australia and be able to be on site in Kensington regularly. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Contact:
Allyssar Hamoud – Talent Acquisition Associate
E: a.hamoud@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: 11:50 pm (Sydney time) on Sunday 17th May 2026
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.
