Position Details

• Part-Time (0.6 FTE) | Fixed term – 15 months
• Professional HEO5 | $84,599 - $93,366 (pro rata)
• Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country
• View Position Description

About the Role

The Technical Assistant (Research Support) plays an important role in supporting innovative research undertaken within the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation. Working as part of a collaborative research team, you will provide practical laboratory and field support, assist in maintaining specialist research facilities and equipment, and contribute to the successful delivery of research outcomes through industry and grant-funded projects.

In this role, you will:

• Conduct routine laboratory sampling, testing and analyses to support research activities and project objectives.
• Participate in fieldwork and assist with the collection, processing and management of research samples.
• Support the operation and upkeep of controlled environments, culture facilities and specialised laboratory equipment.
• Contribute to a safe, efficient and collaborative research environment through adherence to WHS and Biosafety requirements.

This position makes a significant contribution to the University’s strategic plan to changing 10 million lives, Every One Matters, by 2035 through directly contributing to the University's strategic driver of Research that Matters, supporting innovative research that delivers real-world impact through industry collaboration and scientific discovery.

About You

You are a proactive and safety-focused laboratory professional with a strong foundation in molecular biology, microbiology or biotechnology. Comfortable working in a research environment, you enjoy contributing to collaborative projects, maintaining high laboratory standards, and supporting researchers to achieve quality outcomes. You bring strong organisational skills, a commitment to safe work practices, and the ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues, students and external partners.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Hold a degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology or a related discipline.
• Bring experience working in a scientific or laboratory environment, with a strong commitment to laboratory safety and safe handling of hazardous substances.
• Demonstrate excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Work effectively as part of a collaborative team, building positive relationships and proactively supporting colleagues, students and external partners.

ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation

We are the leading Australian research and training centre tackling biofilm-related challenges.

The ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, led by Flinders University, is a 5 year, $7.8m research and training program, bringing together 5 universities, 10 industry partners and key industry and regulatory bodies to deliver innovative research and biofilm solutions to tackle important issues for the maritime and water industries.

Biofilms grow on all surfaces and environments, from catheters to drinking water pipes and ships. They are complex organisations of cells that grow on both living and inert surfaces and are both viscous and elastic in nature. They can be made up of a single species or comprise several species of different types of microorganisms, including those that pose a threat to either human health or our environment. Biofilm attachment and development cannot be prevented completely thus they cost billions each year to those attempting to eradicate them.

By working with industries to develop innovative solutions that meet their needs and alleviate their biofilm-related problems, the ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation aims to: transform biofouling management strategies for maritime platforms; train the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists and engineers; and to develop biofilm management strategies across the defence and water industries to address evolving regulatory stringency.

Life at Flinders

They say know your place. We say you've found it right here.

Flinders University was founded on the belief that learning should open minds, celebrate individuality and give people the freedom to pursue their own point of view. That spirit lives on in our community of thinkers, doers and changemakers who challenge convention, and each other, to shape what comes next.

Rising to a challenge is nothing new for Flinders. During our first 60 years, we’ve navigated revolutionary changes in social and cultural norms, and have responded to transformative economic, environmental and technological developments. Through it all, we’ve continued to deliver for our students and community, innovating in learning and research to prepare graduates for the changing world they help create.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them.

So, why work at Flinders?

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• Awarded the AHEIA Higher Education Award for Workplace Culture Excellence due to our commitment to wellbeing through our Thriving@Flinders staff wellbeing program
• Wide range of professional development activities and services, including exclusive staff study offers 
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff, as shown through our three SAGE Cygnet Awards.
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).
• Recognised as a Veteran Employer of Choice 
• Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment

Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.

• Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan 
• Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy 

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

Appointment to this role is conditional on the completion of required pre-employment checks and declarations, each of which must be satisfactory to the University.

These include:

• Flinders University will require a current completed Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Gender Based Violence Declaration which is satisfactory to the University. The contract of Employment is conditional upon the receipt of these completed compliance checks. A disclosable outcome will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role.
• This role requires the successful applicant to obtain and maintain a Baseline Security Clearance issued by the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency. As eligibility for this clearance requires Australian citizenship, applicants must be Australian citizens at the time of appointment.

How to Apply and Information

You are required to submit a CV, along with a Suitability Statement as a separate document.  This should be no more than 3 pages and address the Key Position Capabilities of the position description.

Flinders University is committed to providing an environment where staff with disability are valued, supported and encouraged to participate fully and independently in the life of the University. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please contact the Recruitment Team so that we can make appropriate arrangements through recruitment@flinders.edu.au or call 08 8201 2383.

For more information regarding this position, please email Sophie Leterme. 

Important Notice: Recruitment Activity During University Shutdown

Please note that recruitment activity will be paused during the Flinders University shutdown period. No updates or progress on applications will be available between 21 December 2026 and 4 January 2027.Recruitment processes will resume from 4 January 2027, and application statuses will be communicated from that date onward.We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

Certification

Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm:

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Flinders. Fearless.