We are seeking an experienced Technical Officer to support the safe and effective operation of chemistry-aligned laboratories within a STEM teaching and research environment.
Working alongside the Technical Coordinator, you will oversee day-to-day laboratory operations while providing specialist technical support to staff, students and researchers. This is a hands-on role covering chemical and equipment management, compressed gases, laboratory safety, maintenance, documentation and technical training.
The Role
Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing the day-to-day operation of chemistry-aligned laboratories and technical workspaces
- Safely transporting, connecting and managing compressed gas cylinders
- Managing chemicals, chemical inventories and chemical waste
- Maintaining laboratory consumables, stock levels and purchasing requirements
- Managing specialist laboratory equipment, including access, servicing, routine maintenance and calibration
- Developing and maintaining SOPs, Safe Work Instructions, risk assessments, chemical registers and other laboratory documentation
- Providing technical advice, training and laboratory inductions to students, staff and other users
- Developing preventative maintenance schedules and ensuring equipment remains operational and available
- Supporting safe laboratory practices and ensuring compliance with relevant OH&S legislation, standards and organisational procedures
- Identifying safety or compliance issues and supporting the development and implementation of remediation plans
- Maintaining laboratories and workspaces in a clean, safe and operational condition
- Assisting with the acquisition, installation and commissioning of new laboratory equipment and resources
- Working closely with technical, teaching and research stakeholders to support planned laboratory activities
About You
We are looking for someone with strong practical laboratory experience who is comfortable taking ownership of day-to-day technical operations.
You will ideally bring:
- Demonstrated experience working within chemistry, chemical engineering or a related laboratory environment
- Extensive experience with the safe handling, transport and connection of compressed gas cylinders
- Strong experience managing chemicals and chemical waste
- Experience working with and maintaining specialised or custom chemical laboratory equipment
- Previous laboratory operations and maintenance experience, ideally within a teaching or research environment
- A sound understanding of OH&S legislation, laboratory safety requirements and relevant industry standards
- Experience developing or maintaining SOPs, risk assessments and safe working documentation
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to work autonomously and manage competing priorities
- Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to laboratory operations
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
Qualifications & Requirements
- Tertiary qualification in Chemistry or a related discipline, and/or substantial relevant laboratory experience
- Experience within the tertiary education or research sector will be highly regarded
- A valid Victorian Working with Children Check is mandatory
If you’re an experienced laboratory professional with a strong chemistry background who enjoys combining hands-on technical work with safety, equipment management and supporting teaching and research, we’d love to hear from you.
At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.
You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.
