Laboratory Technician – Fluid Dynamics, Energy and Propulsion Cluster

UOM University of Melbourne; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 101,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Salary packaging

Health & wellbeing programs

Professional development opportunities

Discounted services

Job summary

The University of Melbourne is seeking a laboratory technical specialist to support fluid dynamics teaching and research within the Infrastructure Team. You will maintain and operate laboratory equipment, assist academics and students, and help manage inventory and safety documentation, gaining broad hands-on skills across facilities and lab systems.

Role offers career development, 17% superannuation and a comprehensive wellbeing program.

Qualifications

• Hold a mechanical engineering degree or trade qualification, or equivalent experience in technical teaching and research facilities.
• Hands-on experience designing, fabricating and assembling test rigs.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements in labs.
• Ability to maintain accurate equipment records and SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day technical support for fluid dynamics and propulsion teaching and research.
• Prepare, operate and dismantle laboratory equipment for classes and experiments.
• Advise students and staff on safe, effective use of lab facilities.
• Calibrate and troubleshoot equipment; ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Support inventory, procurement and asset management with documentation.

Skills

Lab equipment maintenance

Test rig design & fabrication

OH&S compliance

Data acquisition

MATLAB

Education

Mechanical engineering degree

Trade qualification (mechanical)

Tools

MATLAB

Lab instrumentation

Job description

Role type: Full-time; Continuing Faculty: Engineering & Information Technology Department: Infrastructure. Salary: UoM 6 - $100,847 - $109,163 p.a. plus 17% super

Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

In this role, you will keep cutting-edge fluid dynamics laboratories safe, organised and ready for discovery. You will work closely with academics and students, providing practical support for high-impact teaching and research. You will also build broad technical skills across diverse equipment, facilities and laboratory systems.

What you will deliver

• Provide day-to-day technical support for fluid dynamics, energy and propulsion teaching and research activities.
• Prepare, operate and dismantle laboratory equipment and resources for classes, demonstrations and experimental research.
• Provide practical guidance to students and staff in the safe and effective use of laboratory equipment and facilities.
• Maintain, calibrate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and facilities, ensuring reliability, safety and regulatory compliance.
• Support inventory, procurement and asset management, and maintain documentation, RAs, SOPs and induction materials.

You may be a great fit if you

• Hold a mechanical engineering degree or trade qualification, or equivalent experience supporting technical teaching and research facilities.
• Demonstrate hands-on experience designing, fabricating and assembling test rigs, and operating and maintaining complex laboratory equipment.
• Resolve technical issues involving laboratory equipment or test facilities, applying sound judgement to maintain safe, reliable operations.
• Apply strong knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements within laboratory environments, including risk assessments and procedures.
• Maintain accurate technical and safety documentation, including equipment registers, maintenance records, SOPs and induction materials.
• Bring exposure to fluid dynamics or thermodynamics laboratories, instrumentation, data acquisition or programming tools such as MATLAB.

What we offer you

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation.
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being.
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning.
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave.
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company.
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program.

Your new team

You will join the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology’s Infrastructure Team. This collaborative group delivers laboratory, technical and infrastructure services that enable world-class engineering and IT teaching. Within the Fluid Dynamics, Energy and Propulsion cluster, you will support innovative research on fluids, energy and propulsion. You will collaborate with leading academics, researchers and students, contributing directly to safe, effective laboratory experiences. The team values technical excellence, safety, continuous improvement and developing staff capabilities across diverse specialist facilities.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb. We’re committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [e-mail].

For further information please refer to the attached PD.