Technical Officer (Zoology)

Job no: 0031210
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 Faculty of Science
https://science.unimelb.edu.au

Science at Melbourne is a global leader across fundamental and impactful scientific research and education. Science begins with curiosity, and we are dedicated to understanding the universe from the level of sub-atomic particles to the solar system. We aim to be leaders who positively impact the community locally and globally, addressing major societal issues from climate change to disease. Our discoveries help build an understanding of the world around us.

Our strength is our breadth of expertise. We are the second largest faculty in the University comprising seven schools: Agriculture, Food, Forest & Ecosystems Sciences, BioSciences, Chemistry, Geography, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Physics and Veterinary Science.

About the Role
The Technical Officer provides a high level of technical support to the extensive undergraduate practical teaching programme offered by the School of BioSciences. The role covers all aspects of the preparation of practical classes in undergraduate, and some postgraduate, subjects mainly in zoology and ecology, also including botany and genetics.

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

Responsibilities include:

• Planning and organising the required materials and resources for practical classes as well as verifying teaching materials and experiments in advance
• Procuring, culturing, and/or preparing specimens for classes, including undertaking field collection of organisms used for teaching; ensure the efficacy of model organisms is maintained and verified for teaching purposes
• Attending laboratory and/or field classes as required to provide technical assistance to students, demonstrators and subject coordinators
• 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 a robust knowledge in the areas of zoology/ecology and related technical understanding to effectively contribute to the set-up and development of practical classes. You will possess good organisational skills including time management and an ability to prioritise work in a busy environment with competing demands. You will work effectively as a team member and to contribute to the organisational development of the School. You will have excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated commitment to providing excellent client service. 

You will also have:

• A degree in Science or Applied Science (BioSciences); experience as a laboratory technician and/or field experience
• Laboratory skills, a combination of at least two of the following:
  - Small animal handling, expertise in animal physiology
  - Experience in fieldwork, animal surveying, good animal identification skills
  - Experience in animal dissection or preparation of whole or parts of animals for practical classes
  - Culture of microorganisms, aseptic technique, media preparation
• A high level of 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
• Well-developed technical skills and problem solving capability to assist with trouble-shooting experimental procedures

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 clubs
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services including Myki cards and Qantas Club
• Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families

To find out more, visit https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/staff-benefits .

Be Yourself
We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please submit your application including a brief cover letter, your resume and your responses against the four selection criteria below for the role:

A degree in Science or Applied Science (BioSciences); experience as a laboratory technician and/or field experience

Laboratory skills, a combination of at least two of the following:
•  Small animal handling, expertise in animal physiology
•  Experience in fieldwork, animal surveying, good animal identification skills
•  Experience in animal dissection or preparation of whole or parts of animals for practical classes
•  Culture of microorganisms, aseptic technique, media preparation

Good organisational skills including time management and an ability to prioritise work in a busy environment with competing demands

Ability to work effectively as a team member and to contribute to the organisational development of the School

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact  us at [email protected] .

Position Description