Biological Technical Officer

• Based at our Melbourne, Burwood Campus
• Full-time and continuing
• $86,744 - $97,290 (HEW 5) + 17% superannuation

Make an Impact

• Unlock hands-on discovery - preparing labs where students build the practical skills that define a biologist.
• Make science real by turning lectures into working experiments students can see, touch and understand.
• Protect people and the planet through expert safety and chemical handling that keeps everyone secure every single day.
• Fuel research by keeping equipment running and materials ready so scientists can focus on breakthroughs, not logistics.
• Shape future biologists by collaborating with teachers to design practicals that inspire confidence and curiosity in every student.

Why you will love this Role

• You will work with cutting-edge equipment and instrumentation, building technical expertise in microscopy, analytical tools and specialised lab systems that boost your career prospects.
• You're part of a collaborative, supportive team that values your contribution - working alongside passionate academics and dedicated colleagues who respect technical expertise.
• You gain genuine job security and stability in a university setting with clear career development pathways and opportunities to grow your skills over time.
• You see the direct impact of your work every day - watching students succeed in practicals you've prepared and knowing you've made their learning possible.
• You master diverse skills across botany, chemistry, molecular biology and general lab practice, making you highly versatile and increasingly valuable in any lab environment.

In a typical day, you will

• Fire up the lab - prepping specimens, calibrating gear and mixing reagents so students can dive straight into discovery.
• Be the troubleshooter - fix equipment glitches and coach students through techniques that actually work, live in the lab.
• Keep the prep room humming - restocking kits, nailing safety records and staying one step ahead of chaos.
• Team up with lecturers to crack experiments that aren't cooperating, then test your fixes before rolling them out.
• Tackle real challenges daily - from dodging contamination to mastering chemical safety like a pro.

Your New Team Awaits

• You'll work with award-winning teaching staff who collaborate openly and genuinely value your technical expertise.
• You're part of a tight-knit team in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences where colleagues support each other and celebrate wins together.
• The team embraces a hands-on approach - you'll contribute ideas and help shape how labs evolve, not just follow procedures.
• You'll join a supportive environment where teamwork thrives and your contributions to student success are recognised and appreciated.

You may be a great fit for this role if you…

• Hold a tertiary qualification in biological sciences or laboratory technology with solid chemistry expertise, enabling you to prepare solutions, buffers and reagents with precision across general, molecular and specialized practicals.
• You bring demonstrated dissection skills and practical knowledge of safe specimen preparation, handling, storage and disposal - essential for supporting dissection-based classes and guiding students safely through complex techniques.
• Your molecular biology background, combined with hands-on laboratory experience, allows you to operate specialised instrumentation, prepare media and maintain contamination-control procedures that keep molecular practicals running smoothly.
• You're familiar with university systems and protocols - understanding laboratory safety, risk assessment, hazardous substances, waste management and compliance requirements that govern tertiary teaching labs.
• You've supported undergraduate biology teaching laboratories through full practical cycles (prep, delivery, pack-down), with strong time management and the ability to juggle competing teaching demands while working independently or collaboratively.

Here's how to apply

Please submit your current resume and a short covering letter outlining your skills and experience.

Want to Know More?

For a confidential discussion, or for further questions regarding this role, please contact Cuong Huynh (Technical Services Coordinator, Life Sciences) via cuong.huynh@deakin.edu.au

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

PD - Technical Officer 589879.pdf

Applications for this position close at 11.55pm on 9 November.

Please note that only candidates with full working rights in Australia will be considered for this position.

Deakin at a Glance

Deakin is a globally recognised university committed to making a positive impact through education, research and innovation. Our success is driven by our people, and we're dedicated to creating a workplace where individuals feel supported, valued and empowered to do their best work.

We offer a collaborative and inclusive culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the flexibility to balance work and life. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

What we Offer

At Deakin, we offer more than just a job - we offer a lifestyle. Across our campuses in Geelong, Melbourne, and regional Victoria, you’ll find everything you need to thrive: on-site childcare, gyms, medical centres, cafes, accessible public transport, and convenient parking. Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support your work-life balance, generous leave entitlements including extended parental leave plus a wide range of staff discounts on travel and more. Our health and wellbeing services, ongoing professional development opportunities, and inclusive, supportive culture make Deakin a place where you can grow - whether you're working remotely or immersed in the vibrant energy of campus life. To find out why our staff love working with Deakin, read more here!

Pre-employment safety and suitability checks: In accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, appointment to this role is subject to successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, including Working with Children Checks and candidate gender-based violence declarations.

As part of Deakin's commitment to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, successful candidates will be required to complete relevant pre-employment checks, which may include a Working with Children Check and declarations relating to gender-based violence in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence.

Any information provided will be treated confidentially and assessed only where relevant to the requirements of the role and Deakin's duty of care obligations. A declaration does not automatically preclude a candidate from employment.