Chemical Technical Team Leader
$36,636–$38,784 year
On-siteNewcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Job Summary
Lead and manage a team of technical staff supporting chemical engineering laboratories, ensuring safe, efficient delivery of services for teaching, research, and commercial testing. Plan workloads, oversee infrastructure projects, and maintain compliance with health and safety legislation through risk assessments and audits. Manage laboratory equipment, including maintenance, calibration, and asset lifecycle planning, while controlling allocated budgets and procurement. Collaborate with academic colleagues to align technical resources with operational priorities and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. Full-time open-ended role based in Newcastle University's School of Engineering.
Required Qualifications
- Proven experience of leading or supervising technical staff within a chemical laboratory environment
- Strong technical expertise in chemical engineering, including laboratory techniques and the management, operation and maintenance of analytical equipment
- A thorough understanding of laboratory health and safety, statutory compliance and risk management
- Excellent leadership, communication and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing technical team
- A proactive and strategic approach to planning, resource management and technical service delivery
- Experience of managing or supporting a team of technical staff in a chemical laboratory environment
- Significant experience of managing or supporting multiple chemical laboratories or facilities and their associated infrastructure, equipment, instrumentation and technical resources
- Up to date and detailed knowledge of health and safety policy and procedures in a laboratory setting. Including extensive experience of writing risk assessments and standard operating procedures. Leading on safety inspections and managing H&S systems
- Evidence of lab systems project management and contribution to improving processes, engaging with relevant stakeholders to continually enhance the service delivered
- Experience of managing an array of analytical instrumentation and equipment for research and teaching activities
- Experience of project management, procurement and budget management within a technical or lab environment
- Demonstrable experience of implementing change, managing operational priorities and motivating and developing technical staff
- Excellent planning, organisational and technical problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads, delegate effectively and deliver high-quality technical services
- Proven written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships
- Good numerical skills with the ability to analyse, interpret and present technical and management information
- Degree or equivalent level qualification (in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry) plus experience in a similar role or significant technical experience, demonstrating development through progressively more demanding, relevant roles
Desired Qualifications
- anyone with a chemical engineering, analytical chemistry or chemistry background acquired through experience or vocational training
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