Position Description – Technical Officer (Food Science and Nutrition)
Position Details
Position Title:
Technical Officer (Food Science and Nutrition)
Position Number:
30000709
Portfolio:
College of Science, Engineering and Health
School/Group:
School of Applied Sciences
Campus Location:
Based at the City campus, but may be required to work and/or be based at other
campuses of the University.
Classification:
HEW 4
Salary Schedule: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ewhtlt73t01
Employment Type:
Continuing
Note: See Reasons for fixed term appointments guideline for explanation of fixed term categories
Time Fraction:
1.0
RMIT University
RMIT is a global university of technology and design, focused on creating solutions that transform the future for the
benefit of people and their environments. We are global in attitude, action and presence; urban in orientation and
creativity; and connected through active partnerships with professions, industries and organisations.
RMIT University enjoys an international reputation for excellence in professional and practical educational
programs and high quality outcome-oriented research.
One of Australia’s original educational institutions founded in 1887, RMIT is now the nation’s largest tertiary
institution. The University offers an extensive range of postgraduate, undergraduate and vocational programs
RMIT has three Melbourne campuses – in the central business district and in Brunswick and Bundoora in the city’s
northern suburbs - campuses in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and a site in Barcelona, Spain. With
significant partnerships in Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, RMIT has a strong educational
presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The University’s total student population of 82,000 includes 30,000
international students (onshore and offshore).
RMIT is a leader in technology, design, global business, communication, global communities, health solutions and
urban sustainable futures. It is ranked in the top 150 universities in the world for engineering, computer science and
information systems, economics, communication and media studies, accounting and finance and education in the
2013 QS World University Rankings and 10th in Australia.
www.rmit.edu.au
College of Science, Engineering and Health
The college comprises 10 Schools delivering a broad range of programs in Science, Engineering and Health at
Apprenticeship, Certificate, Bachelor, Masters and PhD levels. Many programs articulate between TAFE and
Higher Education, creating pathways for further study.
Page 1 of 3
There is a vibrant research community attracting funding from a range of government and industry sources. The
College has an annual budget of approximately $210 Million and employs over 1,000 staff providing on and
offshore programs to approximately 20,000 students.
Details relating to the School/College Office may be found on at: www.rmit.edu.au/seh
The School of Applied Sciences incorporates the teaching areas of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental
Science, Food Science, Biological Science, Biotechnology, as well as a number of double degrees with
Engineering, Education and Business. The School represents the convergence of basic sciences of the new
century for new discoveries and innovative research. Cross-disciplinary activities are strength of the School’s
teaching and learning and research programs. The School provides its students with flexibility in a choice of
disciplines with industrial relevant experience, enabling them to critically analyse, and creatively synthesise ideas
and concepts. Programs are offered at the City and Bundoora campuses and the School has laboratories in Lakes
Entrance, Hamilton and Queenscliff.
The School has over 180 full-time academic, technical and administrative staff to support its teaching and research
activities. Currently, the School has the following areas of research: Biosciences, Chemical Sciences,
Environmental Sciences, Occupational Health and Safety, Applied Physics, Material Science, Nano-biotechnology,
Computational Physics, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Plant and Animal Sciences, Ecotoxicology,
Aquaculture, Food Science and Nutrition.
www.rmit.edu.au/applied-sciences
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Technical Services Coordinator, the appointee is responsible for providing effective
technical support for the Food Science teaching and research laboratories in the School of Applied Sciences.
Reporting Line
Reports to: Technical Services Coordinator, (Food Science and Nutrition)
Direct reports: Nil
Organisational Accountabilities
RMIT University is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of its staff. RMIT and its staff must comply with a
range of statutory requirements, including equal opportunity, occupational health and safety, privacy and trade
practice. RMIT also expects staff to comply with its policy and procedures, which relate to statutory requirements
and our ways of working.
Appointees are accountable for completing training on these matters and ensuring their knowledge, and the
knowledge of their staff, is up to date.
Key Accountabilities

Plan, co-ordinate, and undertake the preparation of class materials and equipment for practical classes in
Food Science and related disciplines

Sourcing and ordering foodstuffs, materials and equipment required for laboratory classes.

Manage the stock levels and maintain the food, chemical, microbiological and equipment stores in the
area.

Ensure the relevant teaching and research laboratories are maintained in accordance with all OH&S
legislative requirements and RMIT policies.

Ensure laboratories and equipment are maintained in a clean and working state.

Assess and review laboratory activities and work processes. Implement risk control measures as required.

Other duties as directed by the Technical Services Coordinator.
Page 2 of 3
Key Selection Criteria
1. Proven working experience in food laboratories and pilot plants.
2. Proven experience working with both laboratory chemicals and perishable foodstuffs.
3. Proven experience in computer literacy, including accurate word processing, spreadsheets and database skills.
4. Good level of written and oral communication skills.
5. Proven ability to work autonomously and in a team environment.
6. Proven ability to organize work effectively, respond to changing priorities and work to deadlines.
Qualifications


A tertiary qualification in a relevant science discipline
Current drivers licence
Endorsed:
Signature:
Name: Angela Crawford
Title: School Manager,
School of Applied Sciences
Date:
Approved:
Signature:
Name: Professor Andrew Smith
Title: Dean, School of Applied Sciences
Date:
Page 3 of 3