Aquatic Research Technician

• The University of Queensland's Biological Resources

• This is a full-time fixed-term position through to June 2025 with salary in the range $70,235.35- $74,468.15, plus a generous super allowance of up to 17%.

• Bring your physical containment facility and animal care experience to work in a structured and regulated environment.

• Excellent opportunity for applying advanced aquaculture facility and equipment skills as well as husbandry of unique and interesting species.

• Based at our St Lucia campus

About This Opportunity 

The Aquatic Research Technician at the Biological Resources Unit (BR) of the University of Queensland is part of the team that provides care and husbandry to aquatic animal species. Reporting to the Manager of UQBR Aquatics Facilities, the role predominantly supports animal husbandry and facility operations, as well as various technical related tasks to support the  research activities.

Key responsibilities will include: 

Research and Technical Duties

• Maintain cleanliness and upkeep of aquarium holding areas, participate in health monitoring programs, and euthanize aquatic stock when necessary, adhering to approved methods and ethical guidelines.

• Assess complex situations, respond to alarms and adverse incidents, and report critical information promptly and professionally.

• Perform specialized aquatic stock procedures, including interpreting water chemistry test results, monitoring breeding performance, euthanasia by a variety of approved methods and providing optimal care and husbandry.

• Supervise staff and students, ensuring compliance with microbiological control procedures and maintaining biosecurity in aquarium holding areas.

Administration

• Maintain accurate record sheets as per regulatory standards.

• Assist in developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Risk assessments.

• Prepare technical reports as required.

• Monitor animal Ethics Committee (AEC) numbers and weekly tank records for compliance.

• Ensure adherence to regulatory guidelines such as OGTR, DAFF Biosecurity (AQIS), and OH&S.

• Conduct staff and new user induction processes.

This is a physically demanding role and may require occasional outside hours, weekend and public holiday work.

About You  

• Qualification in Aquaculture (Diploma or certificate III from TAFE QLD) or equivalent experience.

• Proficiency in breeding aquatic stock, maintaining records, and basic genetic management, or ability to quickly acquire such knowledge.

• Demonstrated experience or aptitude in specialized aquatic techniques and recirculating systems.

• Effective teamwork skills and a strong focus on customer service and animal welfare.

• Excellent interpersonal skills for effective communication with various stakeholders.

• High accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements including OH&S, OGTR, DAFF, and IBC, and familiarity with NHMRC Code of Practice for animal care.

• Experience in scientific research environment, aquaculture procedures, and staff/student supervision.

• Adaptability and resilience in a changing environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft software programs (Word, Excel).

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment and may be required to complete background checks including, criminal history and education checks.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• 17% superannuation contributions

• 17.5% annual leave loading

• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family

• On campus childcare options

• Cheap parking (from just $5.75 a day)

• Salary packaging options

Want to Apply? 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Cover letter addressing the ‘About You’ section.  

• Resume 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Gillian at [email protected] . For application queries, please contact [email protected] stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 

Applications close Tuesday, 27 February 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (Job Reference Number - R-35321). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for 14 March 2024.

At UQ, our strength lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion , fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to [email protected] for accessibility support or adjustments.

If you are a current employee (including casual staff and HDR scholars) or hold an unpaid/affiliate appointment, please login to your staff Workday account and visit the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do NOT apply via the external job board.