Senior Technical Officer, Controlled Environments

Job Description

Ref 3292/24 Senior Technical Officer, Controlled Environments, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment About Us The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment is a research institute within Western Sydney University, conducting fundamental and applied research in ecology, physiology, genetics, and global change biology. Over the past decade, the Institute has become a world-leading centre of excellence in ecosystem function and environmental responses to climate change. With a unique suite of world-class research facilities, we collaborate with Australian and international institutions to produce cutting-edge scientific research and impact.To learn more, please visit our webpage: The Opportunity Are you passionate about technology and its applications in agriculture or horticulture? The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment is seeking a dedicated Senior Technical Support Officer to join Western’s Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) node.The APPN is a nationwide network of research facilities with a mission to provide open access to advanced technologies for the digital phenotyping of horticultural and agricultural crops. The goal of the APPN is to offer client-focused access to cutting-edge research facilities, enabling the digital, high-throughput measurement of plant traits (phenotypes). The integration of phenotyping, automation, and data science is key to solving some of the world’s most pressing agricultural challenges. The APPN node at Western encompasses three primary research platforms: the National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre, the Whole-Tree Chamber facility, and the Pastures and Climate Extremes facility.As a Senior Technical Support Officer within Western’s APPN node, you will be a key player in supporting agricultural research by providing access to state-of-the-art phenotyping equipment. You will assist in the operation, use, and application of phenotyping platforms, helping researchers and partners apply digital phenotyping techniques to horticultural and agricultural crops grown in controlled environments, including glasshouses and field facilities. Your responsibilities will include providing technical support and training to users, managing equipment use and maintenance, monitoring projects and crops, and ensuring compliance with Work Health and Safety standards.This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 4 years, based at the Hawkesbury campus. Travel to other locations may be required. Please review the position description for further details.About You You hold a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, complemented by research experience or equivalent industry/government training. With a strong background in supporting projects related to agriculture, horticulture, or environmental science, you have hands-on experience with equipment and instrumentation used in controlled environment facilities. You are tech-savvy, enthusiastic, and ready to take on the exciting challenge of coordinating the installation, maintenance, and calibration of cutting-edge phenotyping instruments. You’ll also play an integral role in providing training and troubleshooting technical issues. Your strong analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving skills, coupled with your ability to manage workflows, make you a vital member of our passionate team. You will provide invaluable technical support to researchers and partners in controlled environments, including glasshouses and field facilities, contributing to groundbreaking research in the field.Remuneration Package: HEW Level 6 $110,472 to $118,410 p.a. (comprising Salary of $93,350 to $100,058 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading)Position Enquiries: Please direct enquiries about the role to Dr Dominque Wilson, Business Manager on (02) 4570 1024 or via email at Recruitment Enquiries: Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Recruitment Team at Closing Date: 8:30pm, Sunday 16 February 2025Working Rights in Australia - Eligibility You must provide evidence of your fulltime working rights in Australia at time of application.Please note, only those applications submitted via the WSU online recruitment system will be accepted. Click here to view Position Description Opens in new window Start your application by clicking the "begin" button. Western Sydney University is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged. #J-18808-Ljbffr