Manager, Laboratory and Technical Services (Education, Life and Environmental Sciences)

About the role

James Cook University is looking for an experienced manager to lead Laboratory and Technical Services for the Education, Life and Environmental Sciences division. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across multidisciplinary facilities, teams and services, supporting student learning outcomes. It is a full-time, continuing position of 36.25 hours per week, based at the Townsville campus; candidates must be based in Townsville or willing to relocate.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the planning, prioritisation and delivery of laboratory and technical services across Education, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Marine Biology and Aquaculture, and Zoology and Ecology disciplines
• Ensure services are delivered safely, consistently and to agreed standards, timeframes and stakeholder expectations
• Optimise facilities, specialist equipment and other resources to support learning and operational outcomes
• Build a high-performing, collaborative workplace culture and strengthen cross-team planning, service consistency, innovation and continuous improvement
• Lead and develop staff capability, manage workload and performance, and give high-level technical and operational advice on feasibility, safety, compliance and resource implications

Required profile

• Valid Australian working rights for the duration of the appointment
• Proven leadership experience in complex biological, earth and/or environmental science laboratories or similar technical service environments, ideally in higher education
• Management experience leading operational service delivery across diverse disciplines and practical learning environments
• Experience overseeing specialist facilities, technical infrastructure, equipment and resources, and complex laboratory and technical operations including instrumentation and practical learning activities
• Experience leading safety and compliance, with knowledge of WHS requirements, risk management, chemical and biological safety, dangerous goods and Australian laboratory standards
• Experience managing service demands across multiple disciplines and locations, planning and coordinating human, financial and physical resources

Required skills

• Strong understanding of Workplace Health and Safety legislation
• Practical experience in risk management, incident response, compliance monitoring and continuous improvement
• High-level communication, interpersonal and influencing skills, and ability to develop staff and team capability

What we offer

• Salary of $111,960 - $128,567 per annum plus up to 17% superannuation
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading, 15 days paid sick/carers leave and up to 6 months paid parental leave
• Flexible working options, staff study assistance and paid study leave
• Ongoing professional development support, Fitness Passport and corporate discount on health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program and modern facilities with on-site childcare and medical services

To apply, use the university careers page: complete the application form, upload a resume and a cover letter, and submit a separate document responding to the selection criteria.