"Associate Metallurgical Laboratory Technician - Flotation Chemistry"

Sustainable Minerals Institute / JKMRC

Full-time (100%), fixed-term positions for up to 12 months

Base salary will be in the range $76,025.01 - $80,606.71 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 4)

Based at our University Mine - Indooroopilly

About This Opportunity

We’re looking for a Laboratory Technician to join our Flotation Chemistry research team and contribute to innovative mineral processing projects.

In this role you’ll support the planning and execution of experimental work both in the laboratory and on mine sites, working closely with researchers and students. You’ll also take responsibility for maintaining and managing specialised Flotation Chemistry laboratory and pilot plant equipment, ensuring everything runs smoothly for groundbreaking research.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Provide technical and operational support, including training junior laboratory assistants, preparing and distributing materials/equipment for clients, and assisting with major experiments and research programs.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), laboratory manuals, and accurate documentation of experiments, including laboratory notebooks, research databases, and registers.
• Manage laboratory operations by performing equipment maintenance, stock control, chemical inventory tasks, and overseeing ordering and registration of new equipment.
• Undertake administrative responsibilities such as financial processing (orders and invoices), attending meetings, preparing technical reports, and contributing to research activities including mineral sample processing.

About You

We are looking for a highly motivated, team-focused person seeking to launch their Laboratory Technician career at the Julius Kruttschnitt Minerals Research Centre (JKMRC):

• Completion of a Diploma in Laboratory Technology; or Completion of a Certificate IV with relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
• Documented experience in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and laboratory manuals, and assisting in the conduct of multiple complex research programs.
• Documented experience in ordering and maintaining laboratory consumables, including managing ordering spreadsheets.
• Foundational knowledge of minerals processing; an understanding of metallurgical laboratories.
• Experience of working in minerals processing and metallurgical contexts, including at industrial sites
• Experience using metallurgical sample processing equipment, comminution and flotation technologies.
• Attention to detail, ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment, and collaborate effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Liza Forbes l.forbes@uq.edu.au.

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close Sunday 11 January 2026 at 11:00 pm AEST (R-58357). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for mid January 2026.