School of Agriculture and Food Sciences
Part-Time (0.5FTE), Continuing Position
HEW Level 6
Closing Date: 28 February 2023 (R-19911)
The Senior Technical Officer (Chemistry and Biochemistry) is responsible for supporting practical courses in chemistry and related sciences as well as managing the chemistry teaching laboratory within the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences. You will support, maintain and operate laboratory equipment, and provides specialist, technical and OHS advice to students and staff in the conduct of research.
You will have sound chemistry knowledge and skills with experience in a range of techniques, equipment, and instrumentation and a detailed knowledge of safe chemical handling and storage requirements, and WHS compliance.
The position is located at The University of Queensland's Gatton Campus, a combination of the rural traditions of its agricultural college heritage with innovation and a collaborative outlook to deliver excellence in research and teaching in agricultural, animal, veterinary and environmental sciences.
Just over 30 minutes' drive east of Toowoomba, and an hour's drive west of Brisbane, the 1068-hectare Gatton campus offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and world-class facilities including; specialist animal and agriculture units including a dairy, poultry unit, sheep and goat herd, horticultural fields, plant nursery, post-harvest facilities, research laboratories and greenhouses, an extensive range of plant and farm infrastructure, and UQs Veterinary Medical Centre. The campus also operates several crop and animal production units which are used extensively to support teaching, research and hands-on training.
View a video of our beautiful Gatton campus here.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Support
Undertake planning, coordination and delivery of technical support for practical classes in chemistry and related courses. Regularly revise, update and modify practical plans, manuals and develop and trial new practical elements. Support processes relating to the selection and training of tutors and demonstrators and participate in the delivery of practical course content.
Provide high-level technical support, guidance and advice to course work and research postgraduate students in the execution of their projects. Induct students in laboratory. Advise on experimental design and method development and offer training in laboratory and analytical techniques, as required.
Acquire and maintain consumable stocks and reference materials for use by students in practical teaching or by higher degree research students.
Assist with planning and coordination of excursions and site visits in accordance with the learning objectives of the course.
Facilities and Asset Management
Exercise responsibility for supervision and operation of the shared chemistry teaching laboratory. Establish and maintain appropriate safe work procedures, tidiness and housekeeping in collaboration with users and in accordance with UQ policies, School procedures and relevant statutory guidelines.
Actively engage in activities associated with the efficient and timely management of equipment, instruments and facilities including ordering, calibration, control and operation, and reporting, arranging and monitoring of planned and unplanned maintenance.
Exercise responsibility for and manage the cost recovery process and, where applicable, act as budget holder for these funds ensuring responsible financial management and compliance with UQ policy and procedure.
Support the School's asset management obligations by engaging in procurement, asset stock-takes and audits in accordance with UQ policy.
In collaboration with the Facilities Officer, initiate and support minor works in managed spaces, and liaise with internal and external contractors as required.
Occupational Health and Safety
In areas of responsibility, assist staff and students to comply with their occupational health and safety responsibilities, monitor work practices in laboratories and field sites, address and report incidences or breaches of UQ policy.
Provide support for staff and students in following UQ guidelines and safe work procedures related to the ordering, handling, storage and disposal of chemicals, and the testing, operation and maintenance of electrical and mechanical equipment.
This role is subject to The University's Code of Conduct.
About YouCompletion of a Bachelor degree with specialisations in chemistry, biochemistry or related disciplines with subsequent relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education and training.
Demonstrated broad knowledge in other science disciplines, for example biochemistry, soil chemistry, molecular biology or microbiology.
Knowledge and skills in relevant laboratory techniques, including preparation of complex chemical solutions, working with hazardous chemicals, and fundamentals such as titration. Thorough familiarity with common laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, pH meters and autoclaves and the ability to train others.
Experience or proven ability to acquire and exercise skills in managing laboratories for teaching and research, in accordance with internal and external policies, standards and guidelines.
Knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and experience with chemical management including ordering, storage, labelling and disposal.
Ability to forward plan, prioritize tasks and communicate effectively with colleagues to ensure the timely delivery of practical classes.
Proficient in working with undergraduate and postgraduate students and supporting their learning needs with appropriate technical and scientific advice and training.
Experienced and skilled in Microsoft Office applications.
Knowledge, or the ability to acquire knowledge, of the University's policies and procedures relating to Occupational Health and Safety, the Risk Assessment database, and the on-line Purchasing system.
This is a part-time (0.5FTE), continuing position at HEW Level 6.
The full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range $84,871.95 to $91,158.90 plus super of up to 17%. The total FTE package will be in the range $99,300.18 to $106,655.91per annum.
For further information about UQ's benefits, please visit Why Work at UQ and review The University of Queensland's Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2018 - 2021.
Questions?
To discuss this role please contact Trish O'Hara at [email protected]
For application queries, please contact [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject line.
Want to Apply?All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
Cover letter addressing how you meet each of the criteria in the ‘About You' section
Resume
Please note that you will be asked to add all documents into the one upload box labelled ‘resume', which is step one of the application form.
To satisfy pre-requisite questions and ensure your application can be considered in full, all candidates must apply via the UQ Careers portal by the job closing deadline, or their application will not be accepted.
Work RightsYou must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
At UQ we know that our greatest strengths come from our diverse mix of colleagues, this is reflected in our ongoing commitment to creating an environment focused on equity, diversity and inclusion . We ensure that we are always attracting, retaining and promoting colleagues who are representative of the diversity in our broader community, whether that be gender identity , LGBTQIA+ , cultural and/or linguistic , Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples , or people with a disability . Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to [email protected]
If you are a current employee of the University, or hold an unpaid or affiliate appointment with the University, please login to your staff Workday account and visit the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do NOT apply via the external job board.