Technical Officer

**Job no**: 0058594
**Location**:Parkville
**Role type**:Full time; Fixed-term for 12 months
**Faculty**:Faculty of Science
**Department/School**:School of BioSciences
**Salary**:UOM 5 - $76,886 - $88,312 p.a. plus 17% super

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

**About the School of BioSciences**

The School of BioSciences was formed in 2015 through the amalgamation of the School of Botany and the Departments of Genetics and Zoology thus bringing together a critical mass of 160 Academic staff and over 200 Research Higher Degree students undertaking world class teaching and research in the biological sciences. Our research falls into two domains: the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology domain and the Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology domain. We host a number of significant research centres. Our work is supported by state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, and research capacity is strengthened by strategic partnerships with other institutions, government agencies, and industry.

The School of BioSciences is a major contributor to teaching of some 3000 undergraduates each year in the Bachelor of Science, as well as a broad range of postgraduate programs.

**About the Role**

The Technical Officer may attend laboratory and/or field classes to provide technical assistance to students. Additionally, expertise will be provided in the operation of specialised instrumentation, equipment maintenance and use, waste management and laboratory safety.

Responsibilities include:

- Documenting processes on the maintenance of the molecular biology facilities and related stocks and organisms - including _Drosophila melanogaster_, bacteria, fungi, plants, cultured cells; ensure the efficacy of all model organisms is maintained and verified for teaching purposes
- Contributing technical expertise to the development of new genetics-based practical classes
- Planning and organising the required materials and resources for genetics-based practical classes as well as verifying teaching materials and experiments in advance
- Ensuring that laboratories are a safe working environment for teaching staff and undergraduate students by providing technical expertise and advice on OH&S issues, ensuring that laboratory safety standards and protocols are maintained at all times

**About YoU**
You will have well-developed technical skills and problem-solving capability to assist with trouble shooting experimental procedures. You will have good organisational skills including time management and an ability to prioritise work in a busy environment with competing demands and possess excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated commitment to providing excellent client service to students and staff. You will also work effectively as a team member and to contribute to the organisational development of the School.

You will also have:

- A degree in Science or Applied Science (BioSciences) and experience as a laboratory technician;
- Laboratory skills, a combination of at least _two _of the following:

- Culture of microorganisms, aseptic technique, media preparation
- Maintenance and breeding of _Drosophila _stocks including trouble shooting population crashes
- Experience in molecular biology, cell culture work, and other _in vitro_ methods.
- Understanding and experience in safety management and procedures, especially those associated with a laboratory-based setting including a comprehensive knowledge of and experience with regulations pertaining to chemical/biological environment, health and safety and chemical handling
- To ensure the University continues to provide a safe environment for everyone, this position requires the incumbent to hold a current and valid Working with Children Check._

**_ Please note: To be considered for this role you must have current valid work rights for Australia._**

**About the University**
The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

**Benefits of Working with Us**
In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

- Flexible working arrangements, generous personal, parental and cultural leave
- Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
- Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural cl