Technical Officer- Applied Science

Location: Ourimbah NSW 2258, Australia

Work Type: Full time

Positions: 2 Positions

Published At: 3 days ago

Job no: HRC0023851

Category: Professional, HEW 5

• Support hands-on teaching and learning in a collaborative laboratory environment
• Work across a variety of laboratory spaces, equipment, and applied science activities
• Join a supportive technical team where no two days are the same

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

We are seeking two motivated and organised Technical Officers to join our technical services team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with laboratory experience who enjoys practical, hands-on work and supporting student learning in a dynamic teaching environment.

In this role, you will provide technical support for undergraduate teaching laboratories, ensuring classes run smoothly, safely, and efficiently. You will work closely with academic staff, students, and fellow technical team members to prepare laboratory activities, maintain equipment and instrumentation, and contribute to a positive and safe learning experience.

This position would suit someone who enjoys problem-solving, working with laboratory equipment, and being part of a collaborative team that supports teaching excellence.

What you’ll be doing

• Preparing laboratories, equipment, materials, and instrumentation for teaching classes
• Supporting and supervising students during laboratory sessions
• Maintaining laboratory equipment and assisting with troubleshooting and routine maintenance
• Managing laboratory inventory, stock control, and purchasing processes
• Assisting with laboratory documentation, procedures, and compliance requirements
• Supporting laboratory work health and safety practices and maintaining safe laboratory environments
• Working collaboratively with academic staff and technical colleagues to support teaching outcomes

These continuing roles are fulltime at a HEW 5 Higher Education worker Level and are located at Ourimbah Campus (Darkinjung land).

About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Demonstrated laboratory skills and familiarity with scientific equipment and instrumentation
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative approach to teamwork
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn new systems, equipment, and processes
• A Science Degree or Diploma, or equivalent relevant qualification and experience

Experience in food science and/or chemistry will be highly regarded, along with experience using analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, FTIR, or GCMS, including equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.

What success looks like

In your first few months, you will build strong working relationships with the technical team and academic staff, become familiar with laboratory spaces and processes, and begin supporting undergraduate teaching laboratories with confidence.

Over time, you will develop into a reliable technical contact for laboratory operations, demonstrating strong capability across equipment maintenance, laboratory preparation, inventory management, purchasing processes, and WHS practices.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2025-2030 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

For more information click here – Our University.

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.

These include:

• An FTE equivalent remuneration of $80,972 - $93,929 + superannuation and excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy)
• 35 hour week
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

Your next steps

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role.

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application.

Your application must include:

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
• A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the job description demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

For specific position enquiries, please contact Tim Kirkman, Technical Manager, Applied Sciences (02) 4913 8760 or via email Timothy.Kirkman@newcastle.edu.au

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Sunday 14th June 2026 @ 11:59pm AEST

Our assessment process

Typically, candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas. We extend that respect to the homelands of our students and staff. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. We are fully committed to building on our strengths in Indigenous higher education and providing a supportive space for our Indigenous students, staff and communities.

The University of Newcastle is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives each person brings to our community and strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people living with disability, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.