Principal Technical Officer - Mechanical & Mining Labs

5w1 month ago

The University of Queensland

AU · Full-time · A$104,617 – A$113,920

About this role

Join a dynamic and collaborative Technical Services Team supporting learning and research in the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering. This unique opportunity requires good working knowledge with hazardous chemicals and a passion for teaching and mentoring others.

Day-to-day, you will optimise and maintain research and teaching equipment across the school, provide technical support and competency-based training to students and staff, and deliver laboratory and workshop inductions. You will also support laboratory operations including equipment maintenance, stocktaking, consumables ordering, and procurement.

As part of the UQ community, you will work alongside the brightest minds from around the world in a culture where excellence is core and contributions are valued. The team environment is collaborative, with a strong focus on safety governance and continuous improvement.

This role offers the chance to develop your career within a world-class university, with access to a range of benefits and rewards. You will contribute to safety culture by managing controlled substances, providing hazardous chemical training, and maintaining high standards of housekeeping and inventory management.

Requirements

Completion of a relevant degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or applied science, with subsequent experience in coordinating laboratory activities or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
Demonstrated knowledge and skills in working in a laboratory environment, with demonstrated experience in managing the lifecycle of hazardous chemicals.
Well-developed problem-solving skills, with an ability to forward plan, prioritise tasks and competing interests to meet deadlines and work with a high level of adaptability, both independently and as part of a team.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to produce clear, succinct documentation and the ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in teaching and research environments.
Experience in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and conducting risk assessments in a laboratory setting.
Ability to provide competency-based training and mentoring to students and staff on equipment use and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

Optimise and maintain research and teaching equipment across the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering.
Provide technical support and competency-based training to students and staff, enhancing equipment use and practical skills.
Deliver laboratory and workshop inductions under the School’s management and support ongoing compliance.
Support laboratory operations and business continuity, including equipment maintenance, stocktaking, consumables ordering and procurement.
Undertake safety activities such as workplace inspections, audits, and risk management, including developing SOPs and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
Contribute to safety governance and culture by managing controlled substances, providing hazardous chemical training (theoretical and practical), and maintaining high standards of housekeeping, storage and inventory management.