Manager, Laboratory and Technical Services

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally. Are you an experienced leader with a strong background in biological sciences, laboratory operations, or technical service environments? This is an opportunity to lead safe, compliant and high-quality laboratory and technical services that directly support student learning outcomes across JCU.

As Manager, Laboratory and Technical Services (Education, Life and Environmental Sciences), you will lead the planning, prioritisation and delivery of laboratory and technical services across multiple disciplines and campuses. The portfolio spans practical teaching delivery across Education, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Marine Biology and Aquaculture, and Zoology and Ecology disciplines. You will ensure services are delivered safely, consistently and to agreed standards, timeframes and stakeholder expectations, while optimising facilities, specialist equipment and other resources to support learning and operational outcomes.

The role also contributes to the broader leadership of Laboratory and Technical Services by building a high-performing and collaborative workplace culture, strengthening cross-team planning and driving service consistency, innovation and continuous improvement. You will lead and develop staff capability, manage workload and performance, and provide high-level technical and operational advice on the feasibility, safety, compliance and resource implications of planned activities.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

• You will bring qualifications and proven leadership experience gained in complex biological, earth and/or environmental science laboratories, or similar technical service environments, ideally in a higher education environment.
• You will have experience overseeing specialist facilities, technical infrastructure, equipment and resources, ensuring their safe, effective and compliant operation.
• Your strong understanding of Workplace Health and Safety legislation will be supported by practical experience in risk management, incident response, compliance monitoring and continuous improvement.
• You will also demonstrate high-level communication, interpersonal and influencing skills, a proven ability to develop staff and team capability, and the capacity to contribute to strategic initiatives, service innovation and operational improvement.

Selection Criteria

• Management experience within biological, earth and/or environmental science laboratories, or related scientific and technical environments, with a demonstrated ability to lead operational service delivery across diverse disciplines and practical learning environments.
• Leadership experience in complex technical and operational environments, with evidence of leading diverse teams, strengthening capability and collaboration, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, innovation and high performance.
• Experience overseeing complex laboratory and technical operations, including specialised laboratories, equipment, instrumentation and practical learning activities, to support effective teaching and service outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience leading safety and compliance within complex laboratory and technical environments, with sound knowledge of WHS requirements, risk management, chemical and biological safety, dangerous goods, Australian laboratory standards and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing complex service demands across multiple disciplines and locations, with demonstrated ability to effectively plan, prioritise and coordinate human, financial and physical resources to meet competing operational and service requirements.

WHY JCU

JCU offers a dynamic and culturally diverse workplace where your ideas are valued, your professional growth is supported, and your work-life balance is respected. Working under the values of Authenticity, Excellence, Integrity and Respect, we support and empower our people through the provisions of:

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading
• 15 days paid sick/carers leave per year
• Up to 6 months paid parental leave
• A range of flexible working options
• Staff study assistance and paid study leave
• Ongoing professional development support
• Fitness Passport
• Corporate discount on health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program (coaching and counselling)
• Well-equipped modern facilities and contemporary workspaces with access to on-site childcare and medical services at our Townsville campus

For enquiries about the role, please contact Dr Amanda Norton at amanda.norton1@jcu.edu.au.

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised. James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet the role requirements to apply. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming learning and working environment.