Principal Scientific Officer
Location: St Lucia Campus
Time Type: Full time
Posted On: Posted 5 Days Ago
Job Requisition ID: R-42801
Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis
Full-time, permanent position
Base Salary: $98,582 - $107,349 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 7)
Based at our St. Lucia Campus
About This Opportunity
The University of Queensland’s Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (CMM) is seeking an accomplished Principal Scientific Officer to support its Life Science and Soft Matter Laboratory. In this role, you will provide expert scientific and technical support to a wide range of research initiatives, specialising in Biological Scanning Electron Microscopy.
With significant expertise in complex specimen handling and advanced instrument operation, you will play a critical role in producing high-quality data for scientific research projects. Your responsibilities will include delivering fee-for-service work and training clients to achieve autonomy in the use of microscopy techniques. Additionally, you will manage laboratory operations in the absence of the Laboratory Manager, ensuring continuity and operational excellence.
This opportunity is ideal for a professional looking to contribute to ground-breaking research within a world-class facility equipped with cutting-edge technologies. Your leadership and technical capabilities will drive the success of diverse research projects, fostering scientific advancements in the life sciences and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide advanced scientific and technical expertise in Biological Scanning Electron Microscopy, including specimen preparation, image acquisition, and data analysis for research projects.
- Manage laboratory operations in the absence of the Laboratory Manager, ensuring the smooth continuation of services and addressing urgent matters as needed.
- Train and support clients, offering both fee-for-service and autonomous user pathways to optimise their use of microscopy techniques.
- Contribute to the development and enhancement of research methodologies, while ensuring compliance with quality assurance and safety standards across projects.
About the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis
The Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (CMM) operates world class facilities for natural and man-made material characterisation equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentations and techniques in electron, laser and X-ray and ions probes for imaging and spectroscopy. The Centre has a wide range of cutting-edge instruments and techniques including conventional and cryo electron microscopes (SEM, TEM), Cs corrected STEM, X-ray analysis and imaging methods, ion and mass spectrometry imaging, electron-based nano-fabrication tools as well sample preparation facilities for material and life science and data processing workflows. The Centre provides leading edge capability in microstructural analysis to researchers across a broad range of disciplines at The University of Queensland.
The Centre’s strengths lie in training clients in relevant techniques and in solving characterisation problems relevant to a wide range of industrial, material, environmental and biological processes.
Join a Community Where Excellence is at the Core of Our Culture
Contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:
- 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
- 17% superannuation contributions
- 17.5% annual leave loading
- Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
- Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
- UQ Study for Staff
- On campus childcare options
- Affordable parking (from just $5.75 a day)
- Salary packaging options
About You
- Possess postgraduate qualifications in a Life Sciences field with extensive experience in applying Electron Microscopy techniques within this domain.
- Demonstrate at least 5 years of hands-on experience with Biological Scanning Electron Microscopy, including expertise in sample preparation, instrumentation management, and data evaluation.
- Exhibit advanced knowledge of experimental processes, including ultramicrotomy and transmission electron microscopy, and their applications in life sciences research.
- Proven track record in leading and developing research teams, with the ability to manage client-focused projects and deliver accurate, high-quality results.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to research integrity, safety, and upholding the highest standards of professionalism in all aspects of the role.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including right to work in Australia and a criminal check.
Work Rights
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for this appointment to apply.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Nicole Schieber, Laboratory Manager, Electron Microscopy for Life Science and Soft Matter, at n.schieber@uq.edu.au. For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
Want to Apply?
All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
- Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section
- Resume
Other Information
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.
Applications close: 1st of November 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (R-42801). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week of the 18th of November 2024.
Acknowledgment of Country:
The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ is situated. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country.
Why Choose UQ?
At the University of Queensland, we are proud to be one of Australia’s leading research and teaching institutions, consistently ranking among the top 50 universities worldwide.
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Diverse and Inclusive Community:
UQ values equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to reflect the broader community by attracting and retaining high-quality staff from a range of backgrounds. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion aims to ensure that everyone at UQ feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential. We are particularly interested to hear from people who bring diversity to UQ – whether that be gender identity, LGBTQIA+, cultural and/or linguistic, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability.
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