Classification: ANU Officer Grade 6 (Technical)
Salary package: $95,987 - $100,378 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Terms: Full time, Fixed term (up to 12 months)

Position Description and Selection Criteria: PD&PEWER_ANUO6_Technical Officer_SchwessingerArundel.pdf

The Position

The Technical Officer will work collaboratively with members of the Schwessinger research group reporting to Prof. Schwessinger and Dr. Arundel. They will provide technical advice on experimental design, risk assessment, and lab operations in the Schwessinger lab and manage general lab maintenance (waste disposal, cleaning, setup, equipment security). The Technical Officer will oversee lab equipment upkeep, storage, and calibration and handle lab administration: reporting, WHS compliance, and regulatory protocols. They will maintain inventories, order supplies, and prepare cost estimates. They will also monitor data systems, analyze results, and assist with data preparation and software development. The Technical Officer will train and support students, collaborators, and staff; develop training materials.

Specific to the project, they will implement and refine yeast culture and DNA extraction protocols; perform ITS and whole-genome sequence analysis, and they will assist with yeast strain propagation to commercial volumes.

The Person

We’re looking for a motivated researcher with prior experience (Honours/Master with work experience or PhD) with qualifications in mycology, genomics, or yeast genetics (or equivalent experience). Skilled in fungal/yeast culture, environmental isolation, propagation, microscopy, DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing workflows. Experience supporting research labs, including student supervision. Strong communication, teamwork, IT, and organisational skills with the ability to manage records and meet deadlines.

The School/Department

The Research School of Biology is a leading centre of biological research in Australia. Researchers have a tradition of excellence in addressing the world’s most pressing food security issues, including plant microbe interaction and fungal genomics.

The College/Division

The ANU College of Science and Medicine encompasses the following disciplines: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, Medicine and Psychology, and Medical Research. It is also home to various cross-disciplinary and specialist institutes and centres. Staff and students within the ANU College of Science and Medicine conduct research and deliver research-led education programs spanning the entire breadth of the sciences, supported by extensive international networks and world-class facilities.

For further information please contact, Benjamin Schwessinger, Professor T: +61 2 6125 7794, E: [email protected].

The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on [email protected].

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to people of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, click here. For enquiries about the application process, or if you require reasonable adjustment to apply for this role, please contact the hiring manager on the above listed details.

Application information

In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:

• A statement addressing the selection criteria.
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.
• Other documents, if required.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

Please note: The successful candidate must have rights to live and work in this country and will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process. An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.

CLOSING DATE: Wednesday 29 October 2025 11.55pm (Canberra time)