Cell Culture Lab Specialist

RMIT; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

RMIT University seeks an experienced Technical Officer, Cell Culture, to oversee daily operations of cell culture laboratories across STEM spaces. You will provide specialist technical support to teaching and research activities, maintain facilities, and contribute to advancing lab practices.

The role requires hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, cryopreservation and contamination screening, with strong biosafety compliance and documentation skills.

Qualifications

• A degree in cell biology, biological sciences, biomedical science or related discipline with relevant lab experience.
• Experience in cell culture and/or virology in a lab setting.
• Proficiency in aseptic technique, mammalian culture, passaging, cryopreservation, cell counting and viability.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting specialised lab equipment and supporting complex activities.
• Solid understanding of biosafety, risk management and safe handling of biological materials.
• Knowledge of chain-of-custody requirements and lab records.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation of cell culture laboratories and STEM lab spaces.
• Provide specialist technical expertise to support teaching and research activities.
• Maintain laboratory infrastructure and equipment; contribute to continuous improvement of lab practices.
• Apply cell culture expertise to maintain mammalian and primary cell cultures; conduct passaging and cryopreservation.
• Support biosafety compliance, user training, and adoption of new technologies and methods.

Skills

Cell culture

Aseptic technique

Mammalian cells

Cryopreservation

Cell counting

Virology experience

Biosafety

Education

Cell biology / Biological sciences degree

Tools

Laboratory equipment maintenance

Job description

RMIT University seeks an experienced Technical Officer, Cell Culture, to oversee daily operations of cell culture laboratories across STEM spaces. You will provide specialist technical support to teaching and research activities, maintain facilities, and contribute to advancing lab practices.

The role requires hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, cryopreservation and contamination screening, with strong biosafety compliance and documentation skills.