Technical Officer

**Technical Officer (Microbiological Diagnostic Unit)**:
**Position Number**: 0065698
**Location**: Parkville
**Role type**: Full-time; Fixed-term for 2 years
**Faculty**:Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
**Department/School**: Department of Microbiology and Immunology
**Salary**: UoM 4 - $76,901- $81,615 p.a. plus 17% super
- Contribute to public health / Develop specialist microbiology skills / Work in an ISO-certified laboratory
- to be part of a team safeguarding community health through advanced microbiological research and diagnostics
- Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

**The University of Melbourne**
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.

**Your next career opportunity**
As a Technical Officer at the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory (MDU PHL), you'll play a crucial role in microbiological investigations and public health services. You'll have the opportunity to develop specialist skills in detecting and characterising microorganisms relevant to community and hospital-acquired infections. The position will be located at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre onsite laboratory and will be providing technical support to the routine diagnostic work involving isolation and identification of pathogenic organisms from a range of sexual health samples. Working in an ISO-certified environment, you'll contribute to timely examinations and assist in various laboratory processes, directly impacting public health outcomes.

**Your responsibilities will include**:

- **Perform Laboratory Tasks**: Prepare reagents, calibrate equipment, and maintain laboratory cleanliness according to established protocols.
- **Process Microbiological Samples**: Conduct tests for detection, isolation, and identification of sexually transmitted microorganisms using culture, biochemical, and molecular techniques.
- **Ensure Safety and Compliance**: Handle organisms safely and adhere to MDU PHL certification guidelines and procedures.
- **Manage Data and Reporting**: Assist with LIMS entry, track analysis status, and ensure timely examination and reporting of samples.
- Contribute to Team Efforts: Undertake MDU-wide activities and tasks as required by supervisors or directors.

**You may be a great fit if**:
You are a science graduate with a strong foundation in microbiology or molecular biology, possessing excellent attention to detail, organisational skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment under periodic pressure.

**You may also**:

- Have an undergraduate qualification in a relevant field of science or applied science.
- Possess a fundamental understanding of microbiology and/or basic molecular biology.
- Demonstrate experience in or understanding of sterile laboratory techniques.
- Have strong data recording skills in both conventional and electronic formats.
- Exhibit excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
- Show adaptability to workplace pressures and commitment to analytical precision.
- Display initiative and the ability to work independently when required.
- Understand and commit to the requirements of third-party audits and quality standards.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

**What we offer you**
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

- Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
- Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
- Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
- Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program
- Comprehensive career development and training, plus a 25% discount on UniMelb graduate courses for your immediate family members

For more information check out our benefits page

**Your new team - “Microbiological Diagnostic Unit (MDU PHL)”**

The Microbiological Diagnostic Unit (MDU PHL) is a public health laboratory for the Department of Health, Victoria situated within the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Melbourne. The MDU has been established for over 100 years on External State Government funding.

**Be Yourself**
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or ha