About This Opportunity

The Laboratory Manager is responsible for the operational management of IDEA Bio services and the UQ Biosustainability Hub's shared research infrastructure, ensuring efficient laboratory operations and the successful delivery of research and industry projects. Working closely with the Floor Manager, Scientific Officers, researchers and professional staff, the role oversees laboratory infrastructure, including equipment and asset lifecycle management, technical support, operational planning, budgeting and continuous improvement.

The position promotes a safe and compliant laboratory environment through effective Work Health and Safety practices, risk management and regulatory compliance. As the key liaison between research groups, technical staff and external providers, the Laboratory Manager supports collaborative research activities, optimises the use of shared resources, and contributes to the strategic objectives of the UQ Biosustainability Hub.

Key responsibilities will include:

- Manage the operation, maintenance, utilisation and continuous improvement of shared laboratory facilities, equipment and infrastructure.
- Oversee laboratory equipment lifecycle activities, including procurement, commissioning, calibration, servicing, troubleshooting and decommissioning.
- Coordinate laboratory budgets, procurement, asset management, consumables, service contracts and operational documentation.
- Provide technical expertise, training and support to researchers and laboratory users, promoting consistent laboratory practices.
- Lead laboratory safety, risk management and compliance activities, including audits, inspections, incident management and regulatory requirements.
- Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training records, equipment servicing records and compliance documentation.
- Support laboratory regulatory requirements, including biosecurity, import permits, controlled substances and other approvals where applicable.
- Provide leadership across research teams and support staff, chair Laboratory Management Team meetings, and foster a collaborative, customer-focused environment that supports equitable access to shared research infrastructure.

Additional Requirement

- This position may require work outside normal business hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends,



to support time-critical research activities, equipment commissioning, maintenance and operational requirements.

This is a full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years at HEW Level 7.

About You

- Completion of a relevant degree in biotechnology, molecular biology, bioprocess engineering, chemical engineering, microbiology or another relevant STEM discipline with at least four (4) years' relevant experience; or extensive experience and management expertise in laboratory management or research infrastructure; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education and training.
- Demonstrated experience managing or coordinating the operation of a shared laboratory, core research facility or comparable research workplace, including laboratory equipment, infrastructure and technical services.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating laboratory equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, maintenance and lifecycle management, together with management of laboratory assets and shared resources.
- Demonstrated experience developing, implementing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), laboratory documentation, operational risk assessments and quality systems.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Work Health and Safety legislation, laboratory risk management and relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, or the demonstrated ability to rapidly acquire and apply this knowledge within a university research environment.
- Ability to plan, prioritise and coordinate competing operational activities across multiple research groups while ensuring equitable access to shared research infrastructure.
- Well-developed analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated experience identifying opportunities for continuous improvement of laboratory operations and technical services.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to produce clear,



succinct documentation and the ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in a research environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to providing high-quality customer service and fostering a collaborative, inclusive and service-oriented laboratory culture.
- Demonstrated leadership capability, including the ability to coordinate technical staff, influence stakeholders and contribute positively within the UQ Leadership Framework.

Desirable
- Experience supporting advanced research infrastructure, particularly in bioprocessing, fermentation, automation, molecular biology or analytical laboratories.
- Familiarity with laboratory equipment used for molecular biology, microbial cell culture, bioprocessing and analytical chemistry, including bioreactors, liquid handling platforms, PCR systems, Growth Profilers, LC-MS, GC-MS and YSI analysers.
- Experience coordinating laboratory regulatory requirements, including biosecurity, import permits, controlled substances and laboratory compliance.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Mariko Terasaki Hart at [email protected]. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section.

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, professional registration (e.g. AHPRA), criminal history checks, mandatory immunisations, First Aid and/or CPR certification, and Blue Card checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements. We’re dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close 30 August at 11.00pm AEST (R-67376).

📌 Laboratory Manager (Brisbane City)
🏢 The University of Queensland
📍 Brisbane City