Technical Officer (Zoology)

at  University of Melbourne

TECHNICAL OFFICER (ZOOLOGY)

Position Number: 0064936
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 12 months
Faculty: Science
Department/School: School of BioSciences

Salary: UOM 5 $83,159 – $95,518 p.a. plus 17% super

• Drive the success of practical teaching by providing expert technical support for laboratory and field classes in zoology, ecology, and related disciplines.
• Contribute your expertise to an engaging academic environment, and collaborate with passionate professionals to inspire the next generation of scientists.
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

You are a highly organised and adaptable individual with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of students, academic staff, and colleagues. With a strong foundation in zoology and ecology, you bring the technical expertise required to support the design and delivery of engaging and effective practical classes. Your ability to solve problems with creativity and precision will be instrumental in addressing the dynamic challenges of laboratory and fieldwork settings. Your keen attention to detail, coupled with strong time management and the capacity to prioritise competing demands, ensures the seamless delivery of teaching activities. Above all, you bring a proactive and team-oriented approach, contributing to a positive and supportive environment within the School of BioSciences.

You also have:

• A degree in Science or Applied Science (BioSciences), coupled with experience as a laboratory technician and/or in fieldwork.
• Proficiency in at least two of the following areas: small animal handling and animal physiology; fieldwork and animal surveying, including identification skills; or animal dissection and preparation for teaching purposes.
• A thorough understanding of laboratory safety procedures, including expertise in handling chemicals and biological materials, as well as knowledge of health and safety regulations in a laboratory setting.
• Well-developed technical skills and problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot experimental processes and support the preparation and delivery of practical classes in zoology and ecology.

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.
This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn’t have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.
Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As the Technical Officer (Zoology) within the School of BioSciences, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the undergraduate teaching programme, with a focus on practical classes in zoology and ecology. Your responsibilities will encompass the preparation and maintenance of teaching materials, equipment, and specimens, as well as providing expert technical assistance during laboratory and field classes. You will contribute to the development of practical classes, ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards, and manage specialised equipment and waste. This role also involves liaising with staff and students to deliver high-quality teaching outcomes and uphold the operational excellence of the School.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and maintaining teaching materials, specimens, and equipment for practical classes, including procuring, culturing, and field collection, while ensuring their suitability and efficacy for teaching purposes.
• Providing technical assistance during laboratory and field classes, supporting students, demonstrators, and academic staff, as well as contributing to the planning and execution of excursions, including safety documentation and permit management.
• Ensuring laboratory safety by maintaining compliance with health and safety standards, updating risk assessments and protocols, conducting safety inspections, and advising on best practices.
• Contributing to operational support by managing specialised instrumentation, overseeing specimen maintenance in the Tiegs Zoology Museum, procuring goods and services, and assisting with technical and administrative tasks as required.

IF YOU FEEL THIS ROLE IS RIGHT FOR YOU, PLEASE APPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the )
  ^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
  Please ensure that you apply through the Apply Now button at the bottom of this advertisement. However, if you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Anna Gradoboeva via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.
  If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the .
  Advertised: 06 Feb 2025 12:05 AM AUS Eastern Daylight Time
  Applications close: 20 Feb 2025 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Daylight Time