Senior Electron Microscopist (EM)

Curtin University

Bentley, Perth WA

Laboratory and Technical Services (Science and Technology)

Other (Education and Training)

Full time

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Job Reference: 1101174

About the Role: As a Senior Technical Officer in the Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility (MMF), you will play a pivotal role in supporting research and teaching by ensuring the smooth operation, maintenance and development of Curtins suite of Electron Microscopes (SEMs and TEMs), optical systems and EM sample preparation labs. You will deliver high-quality technical expertise, train and mentor users, support compliance, and contribute to advancing Curtins research capabilities.

Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Operating, maintaining and troubleshooting SEM and TEM platforms, ancillary equipment, and sample preparation laboratories.

Providing technical training, user support and mentoring to students, researchers, and staff.

Developing and maintaining standard operating procedures, user guides and safety protocols.

Ensuring laboratory and facility operations comply with WHS and statutory requirements.

Managing consumable inventory, equipment access, usage records, procurement and billing processes.

Collaborating with academic staff/HDR students on experimental design and data collection.

Coordinating maintenance, upgrades and repairs with internal teams and external engineers.

Contributing to facility reporting, budgeting, usage tracking and service planning.

Who we are looking for - Selection Criteria:

Essential:

Relevant degree or trade qualification with extensive experience, or an equivalent combination of education/training.

Demonstrated expertise in operating and maintaining SEM (including Field Emission SEM) and FEG TEM, with knowledge of techniques such as EDS, CL, EBSD, SAED, CBED and STEM imaging modes.

Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with experience managing the operational requirements of a laboratory or research facility.

Proven ability to provide high-level training, instruction and support in electron microscopy techniques.

Commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous professional development.

Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear documentation and collaborate across diverse teams.

Desirable Criteria:

Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field.

Experience in electronic record-keeping and booking systems.

Knowledge of ancillary preparation equipment (e.g. coating units, plasma cleaners, ion milling).

Experience in the higher education sector.

Role Requirements:

As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role to be considered.

Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtins satisfaction

About your new Team – The Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility (MMF), John de Laeter Centre (JdLC):

The MMF at Curtins JdLC is a leading hub for advanced imaging and analytical research. Hosting six state-of-the-art SEM and TEM platforms, optical microscopy systems, and specialised sample preparation laboratories, the MMF provides services to Curtin researchers, external universities, and industry partners. With its multidisciplinary user base, the facility plays a vital role in supporting world-class research and innovation across science, engineering, and industry applications.

What We Offer You:

Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2024 rankings. Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace:

At Curtin University, we value the diversity of the community and are passionate about fostering an inclusive culture in which all people feel respected, valued, welcome and safe.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is committed to equity and opportunity in all aspects of employment including recruitment, career development, promotion and workplace support.

To demonstrate this commitment, the faculty has developed a Diversity Awareness Program with a key focus on the areas of gender equity, diverse sex, sexuality and gender, ethnicity, disability and accessibility, and health and wellness. We aim to promote and improve awareness and participation of diversity and inclusion initiatives through the appointment of diversity representatives and male champions of change across the faculty.

As a university and faculty, we believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage applications from every background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and racially diverse backgrounds to join the Faculty of Science and Engineering and make tomorrow better.

Applicants with disability who require adjustments,

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Methods of communication in the recruitment process can contact our friendly team at CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au.