• School of Chemical Engineering - Faculty of EAIT
• Part-time (60%), Fixed-term position through to 2 July 2027
• Base salary will be in the range $93,491.78 - $100,296.97+ 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 6)
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• Based at our St Lucia Campus - Brisbane

About This Opportunity

We are seeking a skilled Laboratory Coordinator to support the ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites as part of our advanced biopolymer development program.

You will provide specialised technical support and subject matter expertise to ensure the efficient and high-quality operation of the Centre's laboratories and research facilities.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Laboratory Operations & CoordinationMaintain high standards of lab housekeeping, waste disposal, sample storage, and chemical inventory management. Coordinate lab users, resource allocation, experiment planning, and equipment scheduling. Prepare and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Technical Support & Equipment ManagementProvide hands-on support and guidance to students, researchers, and technical staff on test work, experimental setup, and equipment use. Oversee procurement, maintenance, and training related to laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

• Safety, Compliance & Risk ManagementUphold high standards of occupational health and safety through inductions, risk assessments, incident/hazard reporting, and supervision. Maintain safety training registers and manage lab and facility inventories in line with compliance requirements.

• Research & Community EngagementSupport research activities by coordinating planning and operations across internal and external users. Serve as liaison between lab users and floor managers, coordinate user meetings, and contribute to outreach activities, workshops, and engagement with schools and external organisations.

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:

• Up to 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 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 $6.15 a day)
• Salary packaging options

About You

• Completion of a relevant degree in Engineering or Science, with subsequent experience in coordinating facilities or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Demonstrated laboratory knowledge and skills encompassing a range of laboratory equipment, particularly polymer processing equipment (extruders, melt mixers, injection moulders) as well as standard polymer analysis techniques (e.g. GPC, DSC).
• An understanding of the range of research activities performed in the Facility/Laboratories, or the capability to quickly acquire such knowledge.
• Significant experience of working in an Engineering environment, preferably with polymer processing.
• Advanced technical capabilities in polymer analysis and testing.
• Knowledge of legislative requirements and operating procedures for major areas of laboratory safety such as waste disposal, labelling and risk assessment.
• Relevant experience in a laboratory role, preferably in a polymer processing environment at a university or similar educational setting, or the capability to quickly acquire this knowledge and apply in the workplace​.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia.

Work Rights
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Steven Pratt via [email protected].

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section

Our strength 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. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact [email protected].

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.

Applications close on Thursday, 21 August 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-53527).