Technical Officer

GDG on Campus | University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 107,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney’s Sydney Analytical Drug Discovery laboratories are seeking a Technical Officer to support researchers in protein production, characterisation, and crystallography, contributing to cutting-edge drug discovery initiatives.

The role involves maintaining equipment, coordinating consumables, handling safety and compliance, and providing technical guidance to staff and students onsite.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in life, biological or biomedical sciences.
• Practical experience in bacterial protein expression and purification and in protein characterisation techniques.
• Experience in protein crystallography desirable.
• Experience in administrative areas of research support.

Responsibilities

• Provide research assistance and technical support to staff, students and researchers in drug discovery laboratories.
• Oversee day-to-day operational aspects of Sydney Analytical Drug Discovery laboratories and equipment maintenance.
• Coordinate ordering of laboratory consumables and liaise with suppliers and contractors.
• Ensure safety procedures and WHS compliance across multiuser laboratory facilities.

Skills

Protein expression

Protein purification

Biophysical characterisation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Tools

CD spectroscopy

DSF

Mass spectrometry

Protein crystallography

Job description

• Full time, continuing position

• An opportunity to support students and researchers in biological analysis and drug discovery

• Base Salary $107,312 - $115,686 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

Sydney Analytical is the University's flagship core research facility for chemical, biological and materials analysis. The facility offers researchers and industry high end capability in protein production and biophysical characterisation, drug discovery, magnetic resonance, vibrational and X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction as well as X-ray and light scattering. We aim to provide expert technical guidance to support researchers as they address their most challenging research priorities. We are now looking for a Technical Officer to join our tightly knit, vibrant team of academic and professional staff.

As a Technical Officer, you will be responsible for providing research assistance and technical support to staff, students and researchers in the drug discovery laboratory facilities.

Due to the nature of this opportunity, the successful applicant will be required to work onsite full time.

Reporting to the Facility Manager, Drug Discovery, your key responsibilities will be to:

• Support research activities within the Sydney Analytical Drug Discovery laboratories, primarily in the areas of protein production and characterisation (including biophysical characterisation by techniques such as CD, DSF and mass photometry), as well as protein crystallography where required

• Support the day-to-day operational aspects of Sydney Analytical Drug Discovery laboratories

• Assist with technical enquiries from staff, liaising with suppliers or company representatives as required

• Oversee equipment maintenance schedules, as well as equipment repair and installation

• Coordinate ordering of laboratory consumables and purchasing and installation of equipment

• Ensure the laboratory is properly maintained and compliant with Workplace Health and Safety requirements.

About you

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field such as the life, biological or biomedical sciences

• Practical experience in the areas of bacterial protein expression and purification, as well as in protein characterisation techniques. Additional experience in insect or mammalian expression highly desirable.

• Experience in protein crystallography desirable.

• Experience in administrative areas of research support

• Excellent communication skills and a passion for supporting facility staff in the maintenance of specialised equipment

• A working knowledge of safety regulations and experience in implementing safety procedures in a multiuser environment

• Advanced computer skills, including storing research data and using electronic lab notebooks.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

Applications Close

Sunday 06 September 2026 11:59 PM

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.