Laboratory Research Technician, Microbiology

• Full time, fixed term opportunity until April 2024. Located at the new Life, Earth and Environment Sciences building on Camperdown Campus

• Opportunity to support and work with Australia’s leading science research faculties in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SOLES)

• Base Salary HEO4, $73,751 p.a + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity:

The University of Sydney is welcoming applications for a Laboratory Research Technician, Microbiology to provide technical support to researchers and students within the School of Life and Environmental Sciences . The successful applicant will undertake routine analysis of compost and mushroom samples in accordance with established procedures, including compost DNA isolation and compost biochemical analysis.

The Laboratory Research Technician will be working closely with Associate Professor in Soil Microbiology- Michael Kertesz and his research group and will conduct detailed molecular studies into the microbial processes needed to produce mushroom compost and how bacteria and fungi interact to create optimal growth conditions for the button mushroom.

This research explores the role of specific organisms in the composting process, developing biomarkers for high quality compost and examining nitrogen transformations in compost to discover how bacteria can be used to increase the nutrient content of the mushrooms that we eat.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• provide laboratory research support and assistance to researchers, students and other technical staff in the laboratory

• maintain the laboratory workplace ensuring that the research, learning and teaching requirements of the work area are suitably met

• ensure the laboratory is compliant with Workplace Health and Safety requirements

• prepare reporting and documentation, including ethics reporting for the work area

• perform work activities relevant to the roles key accountabilities as approved by the Manager and commensurate to the roles classification level.

About you:

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Laboratory Research Technician, Microbiology who has:

• demonstrated experience in research methodology skills with the ability to prepare scientific papers for publication

• has previous laboratory experience in microbial ecology or biochemical research techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

• a valid NSW drivers’ licence, and willingness to travel to rural areas on an occasional basis to collect compost samples

• the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, taking initiative and exercising sound judgement in resolving matters

• sound working knowledge and acute awareness of safety regulations and operating procedures within the laboratory and workshop environments.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Kevin Lim, Recruitment Operations, by email on recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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