• Manage daily operations of the Separation Science and Mass Spectrometry Platform, including staff scheduling, workflow planning, resource allocation and analytical services.
• Maintain, operate, and troubleshoot chromatography and mass spectrometry instrumentation.
• Part time (0.8 FTE) appointment on a 3-month, fixed term basis.
• Base salary range: $100,524 – $111,534 p.a. (pro-rata) plus 17% superannuation.

About the area
College Services supports academic and technical excellence across UWA’s schools, contributing to outstanding teaching and research outcomes. The UWA Separation Science and Mass Spectrometry Platform provides expert technical support, instrument maintenance, user training, and advanced analytical services across diverse research disciplines—including chemistry, biochemistry, medical sciences, natural products, inorganic chemistry, plant physiology, agriculture, and marine science.

Equipped with modern instrumentation, the platform supports both targeted and untargeted analyses for a wide range of applications, including compound quantification and discovery, chemical reaction monitoring, plant ecophysiological investigations, greenhouse gas analysis, and precise mass determination of synthesized molecules. It serves as a vital resource for UWA researchers and students by offering hands-on instrument access, tailored training programs, and comprehensive analytical services—also available to external clients. This position plays a pivotal role in managing the platform and delivering high-level technical expertise, to support UWA researchers by delivering high-quality research support and training.

About the opportunity

• Manage equipment and staff, apply good laboratory practice, and contribute to a strong safety culture in the lab to ensure safe and accurate analytical work.
• Train research staff and postgraduate students in the use of analytical instrumentation, as well as engaging with UWA researchers and external clients to understand their analytical needs, propose tailored solutions, and deliver high-quality analytical services, results and reports accordingly.
• Maintain a responsive, high service-oriented approach for all platform operations.

About you

• A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related field.
• Experience managing staff and supporting researchers and students in analytical instrumentation and service delivery.
• Strong expertise in mass spectrometry (e.g., LCMS, GCMS, Orbitrap), including method development and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience with platforms such as Thermo Vanquish-Orbitrap, Shimadzu GCMS, and Waters HPLC; familiarity with software like Xcalibur, Empower, and LabSolutions is highly desirable.
• Strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and data accuracy focus.
• Well-developed skills in the use of Microsoft Excel and other MS Office programs.

Special Requirements

• This role involves physical tasks, including lifting and manual handling.
• Some after-hours work may be required.

Position description:  Senior Scientific Officer (520344).docx

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Greg Cawthray at greg.cawthray@uwa.edu.au. 

How to apply
Please apply online via the Apply Now button. The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Tuesday, 10 June 2025

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

About the University
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Learn more about us.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at people@uwa.edu.au with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.