Scientific Officer (Natural, Agricultural and Social Sciences)

Job no:509112
Work type:full time
Location:Crawley
Categories:Technical/Laboratory support

• Full-time, ongoing appointment
• Salary range: Level 6, $83,005 - $87,723 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked amongst the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research-intensive universities.  With an enviable research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to ‘innovate and inspire’ there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top University.

About the team

This position sits with the team that underpins training and learning across the broad Field of Education of “Natural, Agricultural and Social Sciences” and may include disciplines such as agricultural, environmental, soil science, biological materials, plant biology, geography, geological, archaeology, animal biology, and the characterisation/analysis of environmental samples, including the curation of associated resources. This team supports teaching both on and off campus activities which may include fieldwork.

About the opportunity

You will be responsible for providing a high level of discipline specific technical support to academics, technical staff and students for various practical activities and research productivity.

Primarily you will facilitate activities in the fields of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, in particular in the disciplines of agricultural, environmental and soil science with scope to assist other areas within the larger team as required. You will be expected to demonstrate best practise for working in laboratory and field settings. You will also supervise and manage staff and allocate duties to ensure efficient technical operations. This role may be required to attend field trips, which could incorporate overnight stays.

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate:

• Relevant tertiary qualification or demonstrated equivalent competency
• Substantial relevant technical experience at an appropriate level
• Ability in implementing a range of policies and procedures to support teaching and research from a technical and scientific perspective
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills
• Highly developed organisation skills with demonstrated ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently, show initiative and work productively as part of a team
• Ability to supervise staff

This position will require you to hold a current C class manual driver’s licence as well as the ability to fit the physical requirements of the position. Some after-hours work may be required. An ability to operate 4WD vehicles is desirable.

About you

You will possess applied technical, analytical and safety knowledge within agriculture, and environmental sciences, with a preference for experience with soil science analytical applications.  Substantial experience working in laboratory and fieldwork settings in the disciplines, which should include soil science as well as physical and chemical analysis of environmental samples.  You should also be familiar with general protocols for safely using various chemicals and workplace health and safety measures. 

To be successful in this position, you should demonstrate excellent communication and team working skills and have an inquisitive mind and critical thinking skills. You will also be a flexible and supportive member to the rest of your team and academic staff within the Schools. There will be a strong focus to support teaching from a technical perspective, as well as management of laboratory spaces and fieldwork equipment.

Full details of the position responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description.  Please see the position description prior to applying:   Position Description - Scientific Officer 509112.pdf

The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date: Thursday, 3 March 2022

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Application details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce. We celebrate inclusion and diversity and believe gender equity is fundamental to achieving our goal of being a top 50 university by 2050.

• We have child friendly areas on campus, including childcare facilities. Flexible work arrangements, part-time hours and job sharing will all be considered.
• UWA has been awarded Bronze Employer Status for being a Top Ten Employer for LGBTI Inclusion by the Australian Workplace Equity Index (AWEI -2021).
• UWA has also been awarded Athena Swan Bronze Accreditation in 2020.

Advertised:23 Feb 2022 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close:02 Mar 2022 11:55 PM W. Australia Standard Time