Technical Officer

Be challenged and imagine with us

As a Technical Officer (Animal Technician), you will play a key role in supporting the relocation of researchers and BioResearch Facilities from Callaghan Campus to the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).

You will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the facility, ensuring it runs efficiently, providing hands-on animal care, and acting as the first point of contact for resolving operational issues.

In this role you will:

- Coordinate the relocation of researchers and lab setups between Callaghan and HMRI, ensuring facilities are functional and aligned with project plans.
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the facility, maintaining compliance with biosecurity protocols, animal welfare standards, and relevant legislation.
- Provide routine care for research animals, maintain clean environments, and operate essential equipment.
- Act as the first point of contact for researchers and staff, solving problems independently and ensuring clear communication and support.

This position is 2-year fixed term, full time, and will be primarily located at HMRI, with work at Callaghan Campus as required.

Please note: This role includes rostered weekend, public holiday, and Christmas shutdown shifts.

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

- Demonstrated experience in animal care or veterinary nursing within a PC2 environment involving strict standard operating procedures in line with biosecurity protocols.
- A genuine commitment to animal welfare.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team located across multiple campuses, demonstrating initiative and ownership.
- Excellent communication and coordination abilities, with a practical approach to supporting staff and researchers.
- Knowledge of animal welfare legislation and guidelines, including the ability to interpret Animal Research Authorities (ARAs), and a strong understanding of health and safety procedures and standard operating protocols.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is from $80,972 to $93,929 plus 17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience.

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.

These include:

- 17% super and salary packaging.
- Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, annual leave loading, and additional purchased leave scheme.
- Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
- A range of support and wellbeing programs.

For more information on benefits and conditions, please follow this link.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

Your next steps

Important information before you apply:

- If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click 'Apply' (or equivalent) to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application.
- Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.

Your application:

Your application must include:

- Your resume.
- A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
- A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed below (these may differ slightly from the Position Description, please only respond to the below in your application).

1. Completion of Certificate 4 level qualification in animal technology or veterinary nursing with relevant work-related experience or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training and recent experience working in a research animal facility and demonstrable technical and surgical skills appropriate for a research animal facility.
2. A genuine care for animals and an understanding of their needs in the research environment and demonstrated skills in animal handling, including the collection of biological specimens.
3. Ability to work independently and as a team member, including the coordination of teams to successfully perform all required tasks.
4. Demonstrated understanding of research principles and the role of animals in scientific research and an extensive knowledge of legislation relevant to the operation of research animal facilities.
5. Good communication skills and the ability to relate effectively to a range of people.
6. Knowledge of, and experience in adhering to workplace policies and procedures in the areas of work health safety, equity, diversity and promoting a respectful workplace culture.
7. Experience working in a PC2 environment.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 3 pages.

We value diversity and strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are equitable, inclusive, and barrier-free. If you require an alternative pathway to view the Position Description or to submit an application, please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au.

We also seek to provide a fair chance to all applicants by providing reasonable adjustments where required during the assessment and interview phases of the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Amy O'Brien, Senior Technical Officer, via email at amy.obrien10@newcastle.edu.au

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au. Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Tuesday 23 September 2025 at 11.59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

We provide opportunities for all people regardless of their background and experience, and this philosophy is reflected across all that we do.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

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