Senior Technical Officer

Senior Technical Officer - High Temperature Processing Laboratory

Join to apply for the Senior Technical Officer - High Temperature Processing Laboratory role at Swinburne University of Technology.

Overview

We are seeking a Senior Technical Officer to join our Technical Services team within the School of Engineering to provide high-level technical support across the Robert Simpson High Temperature Processing Laboratory (HTP), Solar Thermal Research Laboratory and affiliated facilities. You will support undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as academic and research staff within the School of Engineering and other university departments. This role requires strong scientific laboratory skills, a practical, hands-on approach to laboratory operations, and experience working within interdisciplinary teams. You will advise staff and students on occupational health and safety (OH&S) matters to support the safe and efficient functioning of research laboratories, while also maintaining general housekeeping of these spaces. This position works closely with other technical staff, academics, and researchers on a day-to-day basis, and you will engage with a range of internal and external stakeholders and collaborate closely with the Fluid and Process Dynamics (FPD) Group, aligning with academic leadership objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level technical support across the HT Processing Laboratory, Solar Thermal Research Laboratory and affiliated facilities.
• Support undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as academic and research staff within the School of Engineering and other university departments.
• Advise staff and students on occupational health and safety (OH&S) matters to support safe laboratory operations and maintain housekeeping of spaces.
• Collaborate with technical staff, academics, and researchers daily and engage with internal and external stakeholders.
• Align with the Fluid and Process Dynamics (FPD) Group and academic leadership objectives.

About You / Key Accountabilities

• Proven experience operating instrumentation and techniques for high temperature material characterisation in a research laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated experience in the maintenance, safe handling, storage, and disposal of laboratory chemicals, with a strong understanding of chemical properties, interactions, and hazards.
• Experience operating high temperature furnaces such as vertical and horizontal tube resistance furnaces, muffle and oven furnaces, and induction furnaces.
• Experience in the setup and operation of vacuum pumps and high temperature microscopes, and the preparation and testing of hazardous compressed gases for experimental readiness.
• Demonstrated ability to create safety documentation, such as SOPs, Safe Work Instructions (JSI), and Risk Assessments (RA) and to review and implement safety policies and procedures to enhance laboratory safety.
• High initiative to develop, test, and document experimental methods, with strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to develop techniques from literature.
• Experience in training undergraduate and postgraduate students and the ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Completion of a degree with subsequent relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

What We Offer

• Senior Technical role within the School of Engineering
• Part-time (0.6), 2-years fixed-term position at our Hawthorn campus
• HEW Level 6 salary + 17% super and staff benefits

About Swinburne University Of Technology

Swinburne's strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We build Swinburne as a prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options and parental leave to support a balanced lifestyle.
• Exclusive staff discounts, including discounted health insurance, 50% off Swinburne courses and other partner offers.
• Superannuation at 17% and salary packaging options, including car leasing and extra super contributions.

To apply, submit your CV and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and your suitability for this position. Review the Position Description at the bottom of the page on Swinburne's Jobs website.

Additional information: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check. For disability or reasonable adjustments queries, contact DCR@swin.edu.au or +61 3 9214 3550. Applications Close: Sunday, 5 October 2025 at 11:30pm.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Swinburne is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We are an equal opportunity employer and support applicants with disabilities. Reasonable adjustments can be requested at any time during the recruitment process.

Victoria's Commitment to Action: Swinburne supports international graduates and is a Circle Back Initiative Employer committed to responding to every applicant.

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