Principal Scientific Officer - Analytical Services Laboratory
Locations: St Lucia Campus
Time Type: Full time
Posted On: Posted 3 Days Ago
Job Requisition ID: R-44080
Company: Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology
Position Type: Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years
Base Salary: $98,582.63 - $107,349.47 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 7)
Location: Based at our St Lucia Campus
About This Opportunity
The Principal Scientific Officer brings expertise in analytical chemistry to support the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB) throughout the entire research life cycle.
We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated scientist to lead and oversee the analytical chemistry capabilities of the ACWEB Analytical Services Laboratory (ASL). This role provides advanced scientific support, training, analysis and quality assurance to both internal and external clients, utilising a range of analytical chemistry instruments. Additionally, the position holder is responsible for the overall management of the ASL laboratory, including asset management, financial administration, health, safety and wellbeing (HSW) and staff training.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and conduct analytical services, providing organic and inorganic analysis for researchers within the Centre, broader University community, and external clients.
- Oversee laboratory instruments and equipment, including operation, repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
- Advise on method development for research needs, offering training to staff and students on instrument usage and troubleshooting.
- Collaborate with academic staff to implement best practices in laboratory operations and contribute to planning for future equipment and services.
- Lead and support the analytical services team, fostering a positive work culture, managing workloads, and ensuring continuous improvement in service delivery.
- Assist in developing a sustainable operational strategy for ASL, including pricing, to maximize its impact and meet the needs of the Centre and broader community.
About UQ
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.
Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.
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
- 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
- Cheap parking (from just $5.75 a day)
- Salary packaging options
About You
Essential
- Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related field with at least 4 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
- Expert knowledge in analytical chemistry, particularly in experimental and research methodology related to environmental and water analyses.
- Technical expertise in operating and maintaining equipment such as GC, HPLC, IC, TOC, FIA, ICP-OES, ensuring reliable and high-quality analytical results.
- Experience in data analysis, including critical assessment and quantitative quality control procedures in analytical processes.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to plan ahead, prioritize tasks, and work independently or collaboratively to meet deadlines.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrated leadership in a scientific laboratory, and ability to establish relationships within the academic, industry, and governmental communities.
Desirable
- Strong understanding of environmental and water-related processes, with experience in formal Laboratory ISO accreditation.
- Developed industry liaisons and professional contacts, along with skills in training and education.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check, etc.
Work Rights:
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact ACWEB General Manager, Ms Krishna Gashi via k.gashi@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 do not 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 are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.
Applications close: Tuesday, 5th November 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (R-44080).
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.
Career Development and Support:
UQ is dedicated to supporting the career aspirations of our students and staff. Our comprehensive career services provide personalized guidance, skills development, and networking opportunities to help you achieve your professional goals. Whether you are a student seeking internships and job placements or a staff member looking for career advancement, UQ is here to support you every step of the way.
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.
Join the UQ Community:
Whether you are a recent graduate, an Academic, or an experienced professional, UQ offers a wide range of opportunities to help you grow and succeed. Explore our current job openings, discover our programs, and become part of a community that is dedicated to creating lasting, meaningful impact for the communities in which we live and work.
