Materials Electron Microscopy Specialist

The Australian National University; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 101,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work

Parental leave up to 32 weeks

On-campus parent rooms and childcare

Career development opportunities

Job summary

The Australian National University’s Centre for Advanced Microscopy seeks a Materials Electron Microscopy Specialist to provide expert SEM guidance, microanalysis (EDS/WDS/EBSD) and training across multiple disciplines. You will support researchers and external clients, lead workshops, and manage high-end FE-SEM instrumentation and associated lab operations.

Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to build productive relationships with researchers, government and industry partners are

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and microanalytical techniques (EDS, WDS, EBSD).
• Ability to train researchers and students in SEM applications and data interpretation.
• Experience in managing microscopy lab equipment, maintenance and performance checks.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice and training on SEM applications (EDS, WDS, EBSD) to ANU researchers and external clients.
• Conduct training workshops for clients from various disciplines.
• Oversee laboratory and equipment management including basic maintenance and performance management.

Skills

SEM expertise

EDS/WDS/EBSD analysis

Client training

Lab equipment management

Tools

FE-SEM

EPMA

Crossbeam

Job description

Classification: ANU Officer Grade 6/7 (Specialist)
Salary package: $100,847 - $116,083 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Term: Full time, Continuing (Contingent Funding)

This position is continuing (contingent funded) . The funding that supports this project has an expected end date of 31 December 2028.

The Position

The Centre for Advanced Microscopy (CAM) is a central microscopy platform at the ANU, embedded in the collaborative facility network of Microscopy Australia, with a wide range of high-end Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)-based instrumentation. The Centre’s six Field Emission SEMs include an electron probe microanalyser (EPMA), a Focused Ion Beam instrument (Crossbeam) and a newly established automated mineralogy suite. The successful applicant will provide specialist expertise towards research undertaken ad supported by these capabilities in a multi-disciplinary environment.

The Materials Electron Microscopy Specialist will provide: (i) expert advice and training on relevant applications (SEM imaging, EDS, WDS and EBSD analysis) on all high-end FESEMs at the Centre for Advanced Microscopy (CAM) to researchers and students from ANU as well as external university clients, government and industry users; (ii) training workshops for clients from various disciplines and (iii) laboratory and equipment management including performance management and basic maintenance of instrumentation.

The Person

We are looking for an enthusiastic team player with extensive experience in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), including a wide range of microanalytical techniques ranging from EDS, WDS to EBSD analysis. The successful candidate is a person with excellent interpersonal skills and the capacity to quickly develop productive, professional relationships with research colleagues and government and industry clients. Highly developed organisational skills and effective self-management are key.

Learn more about the world-class facilities of the Centre for Advanced Microscopy (CAM) and the supported ground-breaking research here.

Working at ANU

This is an opportunity to work with a world class University that undertakes cutting edge research and has a strong tradition in research-led teaching excellence.

We offer:

• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid arrangements working both on our beautiful, green campus and working remotely,
• Generous paid parental leave entitlements of up to 32 weeks. We are one of the leading employers in Australia for parental leave entitlements,
• Designated parent rooms, quiet spaces and childcare facilities on campus,
• Career support, training, mentoring & upskilling opportunities.
  

A Diverse and Inclusive Team

ANU is introducing measures to support the recruitment, inclusion and retention of employees with disability.

ANU is a large, diverse employer with staff working across numerous professions (see the full list of available roles here. We are a recipient of the bronze award through the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) program and a platinum member of the Australian Network on Disability. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities and from individuals who may have had a non-linear career path, career gaps or career breaks.

For further information about this position please contact, Associate Professor Melanie Rug, T: [phone], E: [e-mail]

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please upload the following documents:

• A current curriculum vitae (CV), and
• No more than a two page summary addressing your suitability against the selection criteria.
  

The committee may not consider candidates that do not meet one or more aspects of the selection criteria.

If shortlisted, candidates will be asked to complete a:

• 30-45 minute interview using expertise and behavioural interview questions
• 5 min presentation on their key achievements in one of their previous roles, relevant to the position
  

If you require adjustments to participate in any of the above assessments, please contact our Recruitment team at E: [e-mail]. Any adjustment request or the disclosure of disability will not be communicated to the selection committee without the candidates consent and it will not having any bearing on hiring decisions.

Please note: The preferred candidate must have rights to live and work in Australia and will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks relevant to the role they have applied for, in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence .

Closing Date: Tuesday, 22 September 2026, 11:55pm (AEST)