Current opportunities at Melbourne

Technical Officer

Position Number: 0065797
Location:  Parkville, This is an onsite role
Role type:  Full-time; Fixed-term for 2 years
Faculty:  Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences
Department/School:  Department of Microbiology and Immunology / Microbiology Diagnostic Unit (Public Health Laboratory)
Salary: UoM 5 - $83,159 - $95,518 p.a. plus 17% super

  • Contribute to vital public health services / Develop specialist microbiology skills / Work in an ISO-certified laboratory
  • Apply now to be part of a team safeguarding public health through innovative microbiological diagnostics and research
  • Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.   

Your next career opportunity
As a Technical Officer at the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory (MDU PHL), you'll play a crucial role in microbiological investigations and public health services. You'll have the opportunity to develop specialist skills in detecting and characterising microorganisms relevant to community and hospital-acquired infections. The position will be located at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre onsite laboratory and will be providing technical support to the routine diagnostic work involving isolation and identification of pathogenic organisms from a range of sexual health samples. Working in an ISO-certified environment, you'll contribute to timely examinations and assist in various laboratory processes, directly impacting public health outcomes.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Conduct Microbiological Analyses: Process samples, perform biochemical, serological, and molecular tests for organism identification and strain typing.
  • Contribute to Method Development: Participate in the development and validation of new methodologies under supervision.
  • Maintain Laboratory Standards: Prepare reagents, calibrate equipment, and ensure compliance with MDU PHL certification guidelines.
  • Support Quality Assurance: Troubleshoot issues, identify trends in quality control, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

You may be a great fit if:
You are a dedicated science graduate with a strong background in microbiology or molecular biology, possessing excellent attention to detail, adaptability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

You may also:

  • Hold an undergraduate qualification in microbiology or a related scientific discipline.
  • Have demonstrated experience in microbiology or molecular biology techniques.
  • Possess strong organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure with high precision.
  • Demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team.
  • Have proficiency in data recording and management using both conventional and electronic systems.
  • Show a commitment to maintaining a culture of safety, confidentiality, and continuous improvement.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

  • Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
  • Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
  • Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
  • Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – The Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Publich Health Laboratory
The Microbiological Diagnostic Unit (MDU PHL) is a public health laboratory for the Department of Health, Victoria situated within the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Melbourne. The MDU has been established for over 100 years on External State Government funding.

The MDU PHL is concerned with provision of services for the laboratory diagnosis of diseases of public health importance, the application of typing methods, use of computer-based data collection systems for epidemiological purposes, and provision of expert opinion. In addition, the Unit undertakes the microbiological examination of foods and water for compliance with regulatory and voluntary codes and standards. MDU PHL is NATA accredited for Biological testing, including Forensic Operations, NATA/RCPA accredited for Medical testing and performs selected Veterinary testing.

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.

The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods.  To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Kim Groizard +61 3 9035 3218 or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au.  You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au.

Working at the University – what you need to know
This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Join Us and unlock your career potential!
Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today! Including the following documents:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
  • The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Nick Petersen via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Position Description

Applicant log in

Work type

Campus

Category

Non-Academic

Salary