Automation Specialist - 3D Culture Facility

Job Description:

• High-impact, cutting-edge research environment
• Full-time (35 hrs week), 12-month fixed term contract, possible extension
• $113,926-$123,302 + 17% super

Why Your Role Matters:

The 3D Culture Facility at UNSW operates within the Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility within the Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre and supports a wide range of internal and external research groups, including universities and health institutes in Australia and internationally.

We have recently commissioned new high-throughput automation infrastructure within the UNSW Integrated Acute Services Building (iASB), a purpose-built environment that directly links the University with the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and adjacent hospital partners. This role works at that interface, enabling translational research through advanced automation.

Reporting to the 3D Culture Facility Research Manager, you will support the development of high-throughput organoid and advanced 3D culture workflows, including hydrogel-based and air-liquid interface models. The role has a strong focus on designing, programming and optimising automated cell biology workflows, including hands-on development of protocols on Hamilton Star V liquid handling platforms.

Initially you’ll focus on developing and delivering practical, high-impact solutions across existing workflows—building capability and gaining a deep understanding of the facility’s systems and stakeholder needs. As you establish yourself, you’ll move into more complex and technically challenging projects, contributing to the design and implementation of advanced automation solutions for large-scale cell culture, screening, and imaging.

About UNSW:

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. We are a large organisation with a diverse and highly talented community doing extraordinary work. We are driven to be thoughtful, practical and purposeful in all we do, and this collective approach is what gives our work impact. It is also why UNSW is consistently ranked among the world’s top 20 universities in the QS World University Rankings and is a proud member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you’re seeking a career where you can thrive, be challenged and contribute to meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:

• Career development opportunities
• 17% superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)
• Affordable on-campus parking

Who You Are:

This role suits applicants with an interest in automation, robotics and coding, including cell biologists who want to build or extend these skills in a translational 3D Culture and Organoid research setting at the University-Hospital interface.

You have a relevant university degree and or hands-on experience programming liquid handling platforms (e.g. Hamilton Star V, VENUS or equivalent), including experience with Python-based scripting or similar languages, and translating manual lab protocols into automated workflows. Experience in a research or core facility environment will be highly regarded.

In addition, the position demands excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build effective stakeholder relationships, as well as time management and organisational abilities to handle multiple priorities and deadlines. The ability to work both collaboratively and independently is essential, as is attention to detail, a commitment to UNSW’s values, as well as knowledge health and safety responsibilities.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and Cover Letter, addressing the Skills and Experience required, before 11.55pm, Thursday 16th April 2026. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@ UNSW.

Pre-Employment Checks

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks: -

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

Contact:

Shiree Thomas, Talent Acquisition Partner e: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au

*Please apply through the application portal and not via the contact above.*

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

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