Job opportunity: Laboratory Research Technician, Microbiology

The University of Sydney

Camperdown, Sydney NSW

Laboratory & Technical Services (Science & Technology)

Contract/Temp

Up to $73751 p.a. + 17% Superannuation

Applications extended. Close 21st May 11:59pm AEST

https://www.seek.com.au/job/67408432

  • Full time, fixed term opportunity until April 2024. Located at the new Life, Earth and Environment Sciences building on Camperdown Campus
  • Opportunity to support and work with Australia’s leading science research faculties in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SOLES)
  • Base Salary, $73,751 p.a (HEO4) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity:

The University of Sydney is welcoming applications for a Laboratory Research Technician, Microbiology to provide technical support to researchers and students within the School of Life and Environmental Sciences. The successful applicant will undertake routine analysis of compost and mushroom samples in accordance with established procedures, including compost DNA isolation and compost biochemical analysis.

The Laboratory Research Technician will be working closely with Associate Professor in Soil Microbiology- Michael Kertesz and his research group and will conduct detailed molecular studies into the microbial processes needed to produce mushroom compost and how bacteria and fungi interact to create optimal growth conditions for the button mushroom.

This research explores the role of specific organisms in the composting process, developing biomarkers for high quality compost and examining nitrogen transformations in compost to discover how bacteria can be used to increase the nutrient content of the mushrooms that we eat.


Your key responsibilities will be to:

  • provide laboratory research support and assistance to researchers, students and other technical staff in the laboratory
  • maintain the laboratory workplace ensuring that the research, learning and teaching requirements of the work area are suitably met
  • ensure the laboratory is compliant with Workplace Health and Safety requirements
  • prepare reporting and documentation, including ethics reporting for the work area
  • perform work activities relevant to the roles key accountabilities as approved by the Manager and commensurate to the roles classification level.


About you:


The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Laboratory Research Technician, Microbiology who has:

  • demonstrated experience in research methodology skills with the ability to prepare scientific papers for publication
  • has previous laboratory experience in microbial ecology or biochemical research techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
  • a valid NSW drivers’ licence, and willingness to travel to rural areas on an occasional basis to collect compost samples
  • the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, taking initiative and exercising sound judgement in resolving matters
  • sound working knowledge and acute awareness of safety regulations and operating procedures within the laboratory and workshop environments.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

See more details and how to apply at: https://www.seek.com.au/job/67408432