Technical Officer, Cell Culture

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology; 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

Overview

Full-time, Continuing position Salary HEW 6 + 17% Superannuation Based at the Bundoora campus, but may be required to work and/or be based at other campuses of the University

About You

You are an experienced and collaborative laboratory professional with a passion for supporting teaching, research and innovation. You enjoy working in a technically advanced laboratory environment, providing expert advice and building positive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. You bring strong technical capability, excellent attention to detail and a commitment to creating safe, inclusive and high-performing laboratory environments.

Role Overview

As the Technical Officer, Cell Culture, you will play a key role in overseeing the day-to-day operation of cell culture laboratories and associated STEM laboratory spaces. Working under the guidance of the Technical Coordinator, you will provide specialist technical expertise, support teaching and research activities, maintain laboratory infrastructure and equipment, and contribute to the continuous improvement of laboratory practices and capabilities. You will apply your expertise in cell culture techniques, including maintaining mammalian and primary cell cultures, passaging, cryopreservation, contamination screening and cell line authentication. The role also supports laboratory quality systems, biosafety compliance, user training and the introduction of new technologies and laboratory methods that enhance teaching and research outcomes.

Responsibilities & Requirements

• A degree qualification in cell biology, biological sciences, biomedical science or a related discipline, together with relevant laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in cell culture and/or virology within a laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency in cell culture techniques, including aseptic technique, mammalian cell culture, passaging, cryopreservation, cell counting, viability assessment, cell line authentication and contamination screening.
• Experience operating, maintaining and troubleshooting specialised laboratory equipment and supporting complex laboratory activities with sound judgement and technical expertise.
• Sound understanding of laboratory health and safety, biosafety requirements and risk management practices, including the safe handling of biological materials.
• Knowledge of chain-of-custody requirements
• Experience maintaining laboratory records, documentation, inventories and quality assurance processes in compliance with relevant standards and procedures.
• Strong organisational, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with students, researchers, academics and professional staff.
• A commitment to delivering responsive, client-focused service and contributing to an inclusive and supportive team culture.
• Experience supporting the implementation of new laboratory technologies, techniques, improvements, compliance documentation that enhance teaching, research or laboratory capability.

Desirable

• Experience working in a university, research or teaching laboratory environment.
• Experience supporting laboratory-based learning activities, practical classes or technical training programs.
• Current First Aid, Biosafety or other relevant laboratory safety certification, or a willingness to obtain these qualifications.
• Knowledge or experience in microbiology and related laboratory techniques.

Please Note

Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

About the College

The STEM College Office Professional staff provide exceptional and efficient support to the College. The Learning, Teaching and Quality teams support: Quality Enhancement Learning and Teaching support The Professional shared services Group delivers service to all four Schools across five distinct functions: Student Lifecycle Planning & Operations Technical Services Program & Governance WIL & Engagement Relevant digital solutions – such as Workday – are used by the five teams to streamline processes and drive operational efficiencies. The Group’s end-to-end professional support ensures a consistent approach to the operational and strategic functioning of the College and adherence to University policies and procedures. The STEM College Office professional staff are instrumental in providing students with a transformative and enriched learning experience, and in supporting our research and engagement administration activities. Centralised in the STEM College Office, at our City and Bundoora campuses, professional staffmembers have opportunities to cross-skill, engage in professional development and develop their own career paths.

Applications Close

#LI-Hybrid Applications Close: 20 Nov 2026 11.59 pm

Equal Opportunity

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender‑based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes. All applicants will be required to complete a gender‑based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre‑employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations. At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via [e-mail] or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.

Culture

We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant. Culture Our Values inspire us, wherever we are in the world, and guide how we live and work together. Imagination. Integrity. Courage. Passion. Impact. Inclusion. What unites us is our purpose and our values; they are at the heart of who we are, what we stand for, how we make decisions and connect with each other. Our people make everything at the University possible. We encourage new approaches to work and learning, stimulating change to drive positive impact. RMIT exists to create transformative experiences for our students, getting them ready for life and work. You will be a part of a productive and collaborative team, who values working relationships and outcomes through open and inclusive planning, continuous information sharing and transparent work practices. Find out what makes RMIT a great place to work