Technical Officer - Physics

Apply now Job no:524035
Work type:full time
Location:Sydney, NSW
Categories:Laboratory Technician

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The School of Physics is one of the leading Physics schools in Australia. It offers a world class undergraduate physics degree, as well as a postgraduate PhD research program for over 50 students. 33 academic staff conduct theoretical and experimental research in quantum physics, astrophysics, fundamental physics; and condensed matter physics. UNSW is an international leader in quantum computing research and hosts the ARC Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology. Major nodes of two other ARC Centres: Exciton Science; and Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies are also based at UNSW.

The Technical Officer is responsible for providing effective technical and administrative assistance to ensure the smooth daily operations of the First Year Physics Teaching Laboratory, Educational Resources unit, and Physics Education Technical Support (PETS) team. The Technical Officer will primarily focus on First Year courses, but as part of the PETS team, may also provide specialised support to the School’s other education-focused operations.

About the role

• $82K - $93K plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 8 months (to Dec 31st , MAT leave cover)
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role of Technical Officer reports to the Technical Laboratory Manager and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include: 

• Provide quality technical support, including the timely preparation and turnaround of equipment and online learning materials for practical classes.
• Provide technical assistance to staff and students by demonstrating common experimental techniques, the safe operation of equipment, instrument training, on-demand troubleshooting and responding efficiently and courteously to requests.
• In consultation with the First Year Directors and Technical Teaching Support Officer, maintain the First Year laboratory and Educational Resources unit inventories, to ensure that all equipment is stored safely.
• Accurately prepare and maintain documentation within the First Year Laboratories and Educational Resources, including laboratory manuals, safety records, and instrument/equipment/plant records.
• Prepare and deliver teaching equipment to lectures, tutorials and laboratories.
• Source and maintain the equipment, instruments, chemicals, and consumables required for the ER unit and laboratory classes, taking careful consideration of cost and availability.
• Communicate with suppliers to rectify and/or repair faults when repairs cannot be completed internally.
• Create new demonstrations and equipment using a range of hardware tools and equipment, including power tools, 3D printers, and hand tools.
• Identify and address any problems within the First Year Teaching Laboratories and Educational Resources unit, escalating to the attention of Academic Staff or the Technical Laboratory Manager as appropriate.
• Prepare and review safety documents, identify hazards, and effectively manage risk.
• Assist with portable appliance testing (PAT) in the School.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the UNSW Values in Action: Our Behaviours and the UNSW Code of Conduct.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training and/or experience.
• Extensive understanding of physics and/or experience working in a physics teaching laboratory.
• Demonstrated excellent time management and organisational skills including the ability to prioritise work effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) including the ability to liaise with diverse groups of people from varying backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and contribute positively to the effective working of a team.
• Experience working with student cohorts and/or a high volume of people.
• Demonstrated experience using non-commercial software solutions, and high competency using the Microsoft Office/Microsoft Office 365.
• Effective record keeping skills (both paper and electronic), including the ability to work accurately, with strong attention to detail.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
• Knowledge and experience in digital education technology, using audio-visual hardware, using metal and woodwork machinery and tools and using CAD/CAM applications (Desirable).

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed above in your application.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
Tamara Reztsova
E: [email protected]
Applications close: April 18th , 2024

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.

UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks, and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).

Advertised:04 Apr 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:18 Apr 2024 AUS Eastern Standard Time