Laboratory Technical Officer - PC2 Histology

Histology Support Specialist

Advance discovery, enable world-class research and shape the future of histology in one of Australia's leading medical research environments. Macquarie University's Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences (FMHHS) is seeking a Histology Support Specialist to lead the day-to-day operations of our PC2 laboratory histology facilities. This is a rare opportunity to apply your expertise in a state-of-the-art environment while directly enabling breakthrough research across neuroscience, cancer medicine, vascular science and more.

In this role, you will ensure histology services are delivered efficiently, safely and in line with regulatory requirements, supporting advanced microscopy workflows and the downstream analysis of research samples. You will promote best-practice histological techniques, provide training and expert guidance to facility users, and safeguard full compliance with biosafety, regulatory and institutional standards within a PC2 research environment. Working side by side with researchers, you will contribute both technically and intellectually to research projects, helping to generate high-quality, reproducible data that underpins multidisciplinary and translational studies. If you value quality, discovery and helping others achieve their best work, we welcome your application.

About the Role

Reporting to the Research Operations Manager, you will be central to the smooth running of the faculty's histology capability across one of Macquarie University's largest PC2 research facilities. Your responsibilities will span:

• Operational & Technical Support
• Train and mentor students, researchers and staff in histological techniques and best laboratory practices.
• Provide expert operational support for histology techniques underpinning advanced microscopy workflows, including:
• Tissue processing, embedding (paraffin and frozen) and sectioning (microtome, cryostat, vibratome).
• Routine and specialised staining protocols (e.g., H&E, Nissl, silver stains).
• Design, optimisation, troubleshooting and validation of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) assays, including multiplex staining approaches.
• Application of in situ hybridisation techniques (e.g., RNAscope or equivalent).
• Develop, implement and maintain clear, up-to-date standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical documentation.
• Laboratory Maintenance & Readiness
• Maintain histology laboratory spaces in a clean, organised and fully operational state.
• Ensure consistent availability of consumables and reagents through effective stock management.
• Maintain comprehensive equipment records and coordinate servicing, calibration and repairs.
• Liaise with vendors, facilities personnel and external contractors to ensure equipment performance and laboratory functionality.
• Respond to technical queries, provide guidance on equipment use and setup, and escalate complex issues where required.
• Safety & Compliance
• Promote and uphold adherence to PC2 biosafety, chemical handling and waste disposal protocols.
• Ensure compliance with institutional, regulatory and legislative requirements.
• Contribute to laboratory audits, risk assessments and inspections, maintaining accurate compliance documentation.
• Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
• Partner with researchers, clinicians and core facility teams to enable high-quality, reproducible data generation.
• Provide specialist advice on experimental design, protocol selection and methods, and contribute where appropriate to manuscripts, reports and grant applications.
• Identify and implement improvements to laboratory workflows, methodologies and equipment utilisation, and evaluate and introduce new technologies and techniques to enhance research capability and efficiency.

About Us

The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences (FMHHS) leads dynamic research initiatives across biomedical, translational and health services domains. Key areas of expertise include neurosciences particularly motor neuron disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's, neurological rehabilitation and the clinical neuroscience of pain as well as dementia, cancer medicine, vascular science and other emerging fields.

FMHHS operates Macquarie University's largest PC2 research facility, comprising two laboratories with a combined footprint exceeding 3,600 square metres. These cutting-edge laboratories are equipped with a comprehensive suite of specialised technologies, including advanced microscopy and imaging systems, histology platforms, flow cytometry and cell sorting instruments, next-generation sequencing capabilities, dedicated cell culture and blood processing suites, an analytical lab featuring LCMS and HPLC for small metabolite quantification, and electrophysiology rigs designed for both in vivo and in vitro research.

About You

You are an accomplished histology professional who combines deep technical knowledge with a genuine service focus. You take pride in enabling great research, sharing your expertise generously, and maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. You bring strong attention to detail, a methodical approach to problem solving, and clear, effective communication that helps facility users get the most from the laboratory.

Essential Selection Criteria

• A degree in Medical Science or a diploma of laboratory technology (pathology) with experience, or a degree and equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in histology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and advanced microscopy.
• Proven ability to optimise and troubleshoot experimental protocols and workflows.
• Well-developed organisational skills and attention to detail.
• A service focus and commitment to providing high-quality support.
• Experience maintaining safe work practices in a PC2 laboratory.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience managing shared research facilities or core platforms
• Familiarity with neurodegenerative disease research
• Experience with human post-mortem brain tissue
• Experience with quantitative image analysis tools, multiplex imaging and/or spatial transcriptomics
• Coding skills (e.g., Python, R) for image or data analysis

Please note: This role requires Category A Immunisations, a police check, and an academic qualification check. Applicants must also have valid Australian working rights for the duration of the appointment.

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).

Applications Close: Monday 24 August 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (AEST)

We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.

For enquiries about the role please contact Louise Marr, Research Operations Manager at EMAIL View email address on click.appcast.io.

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation in 1964, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability.

Our prime location is just a short walk from Macquarie University Metro Station and Macquarie Shopping Centre. Enjoy the benefits of working at a campus that offers:

• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Flexible working options
• Training and professional development
• Onsite childcare facilities
• Discounted health insurance (Medibank)
• Onsite vacation care
• Employee Assistance Program
• Subsidised membership at the Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Onsite GP, imaging & physio clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.