Position Number: 0065894
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term until 5 November 2026
Faculty: Science
Department: Strategic Operations
Salary: UoM 7 - $106,432 - $115,211 p.a. plus 17% super
- Support safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and radiation sources across teaching and research settings.
- Collaborate with a dedicated OHS team to foster a proactive safety culture.
- 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
Join the Faculty of Science as an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Advisor specialising in chemicals, radiation, hazardous waste, and scheduled poisons. In this pivotal role, you will provide expert advice and practical guidance to ensure the safe handling and management of chemicals and radiation sources across the Faculty.
Drawing on your specialist knowledge, you will investigate complex safety issues, develop effective solutions, and make sound, informed recommendations. As part of a collaborative and skilled OHS team, you will play a key role in promoting a safe, compliant, and high-performing research and teaching environment.
Chemicals used by the Faculty include scheduled poisons, dangerous goods, compressed gases, hazardous substances, hazardous waste, general lab chemicals, and other classifications (collectively referred to as chemicals). Radiation includes open radioactive sources and equipment capable of generating ionising and non-ionising radiation.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Liaising with key stake holders to review, develop, implement and oversee a unified approach to safe chemical and radiation processes across the Faculty by analysing current systems, identifying key requirements for both research and teaching, and implementing consistent best-practice.
- Providing policy advice, expertise and oversight relating to chemicals and radiation along with relevant aspects of risk management, emergency preparedness, work area inspections, purchasing, handling, PPE, storage, and disposal.
- Overseeing and facilitating local use of the online chemical inventory and SDS system (ChemWatch) and completing routine checks and inspections to ensure its accuracy and compliance. Providing oversight and management of the Faculty’s chemical storage and hazardous waste facilities, providing advice and guidance.
- Contributing to the review, development and implementation of University and Faculty OHS policies and procedures relating to chemicals and radiation.
- Providing expert advice on the development of Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relating to chemicals and radiation.
You may be a great fit if:
You are an experienced OHS professional with a background in laboratory safety and a strong understanding of chemical and radiation hazards. With a tertiary qualification and hands-on experience in research or teaching labs, you bring practical knowledge of Victorian OHS legislation, standards, and compliance. You have led incident investigations, managed hazardous materials, and supported safe lab practices through collaboration and clear communication..
You also have:
- Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline and/or an equivalent mix of education and relevant experience.
- Knowledge of OHS and environmental Acts, Legislation, Regulations and Codes in Victoria and relevant Australian Standards, particularly relating to chemicals and radiation.
- Experience working with and handling chemicals, hazardous waste, radiation and knowledge of scientific methodology and equipment.
- OHS specific training and/or substantial experience in chemical management, radiation safety and incident investigations.
- Demonstrated leadership and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively to support research and teaching.
- Experience working in a chemical and/or biological setting such as a research or teaching laboratory.
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 Science Secretariat and the Faculty of Science
The Science Secretariat is the administrative unit for the Faculty of Science and all its teaching, research, and commercial activities. The Secretariat is responsible for leadership, policy development, planning, implementation, and ongoing management of Faculty programs.
Science at Melbourne is a global leader across fundamental and impactful scientific research and education. Science begins with curiosity, and we are dedicated to understanding the universe from the level of sub-atomic particles to the solar system. We aim to be leaders who positively impact the community locally and globally, addressing major societal issues from climate change to disease. Our discoveries help build an understanding of the world around us.
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 Bec Tucker - 0416 888 299 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 Oliver Bukasa 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
