Technical Officer (Natural, Agricultural and Social Sciences)

• Join a dedicated team supporting UWA’s research and teaching goals.
• Play a hands-on role in providing technical expertise and practical support with a focus on XRD techniques for natural and material sciences.
• Level 5, part-time (specified roster) appointment on a fixed 2 year contract (0.5 FTE annualised).
• Salary range: $80,243 p.a. (pro rata) plus 17% superannuation.
• Position based at Crawley Campus.

About the area
College Services at UWA provides academic administration and technical support services to the University's schools, with a strong focus on innovation and the delivery of best practice. The Technical Services team within College Services collaborates with academic staff to support teaching and research, including laboratory management, fieldwork support, and equipment stewardship, ensuring a high-performance and safe environment. This team supports training and learning across diverse disciplines in the Natural, Agricultural, and Social Sciences, enhancing education and research both on campus and in the field.

About the opportunity

• Deliver high level, discipline-specific technical support for practical teaching in laboratory and fieldwork settings, with a focus on XRD (X-ray Diffraction) techniques on natural and synthetic materials.
• Provide training and technical expertise in specialist equipment and procedures, ensuring optimal safety and compliance in all operations.
• Support the maintenance, servicing, and procurement of equipment and consumables for teaching and research, adhering to relevant policies and guidelines.

Peak Periods
This position is 0.4 FTE during off-peak periods (26 weeks per year), and 0.6 FTE during peak periods only (26 weeks per year). Peak periods run from calendar Week 9 to Week 21 and again from Week 30 to Week 42. While specific dates change year to year, in 2025 you can expect to work 0.6 FTE from Monday, 24 February to Friday, 23 May 2025 and again from Monday, 21 July to Friday, 17 October 2025.

About you

• A tertiary qualification in Physics, Geology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or a related field is required, along with a proven background in XRD instrumental analysis and experience in XRD sample preparation.
• Experience in preparing reagents, developing chemical methods, and handling, maintaining, and troubleshooting lab equipment
• Proven experience in providing technical support within teaching and research environments, including setup, maintenance, and equipment management. Previous experience in tertiary or secondary teaching spaces is advantageous.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with the experience to train and support staff and students.
• Demonstrated ability to organise, set priorities, meet deadlines, work independently, multitask, and collaborate effectively within a team

Special Requirements:

• Current “C” class manual driver’s licence.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position.
• Ability to operate 4WD vehicles is desirable.
• Some after-hours work may be required, including overnight fieldwork

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Kirsty Brooks, Manager (Natural, Agricultural and Social Sciences, at [email protected].

How to apply
The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date: Thursday, 19th June 2025

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

About the University
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.