At the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), we are dedicated to groundbreaking health and medical research that improves quality of life for all people.

Located in Adelaide’s health and biomedical precinct, SAHMRI brings together researchers, clinicians and partners to drive innovation, discovery and impact across health and medical research.

About the role

SAHMRI is seeking an experienced and collaborative Head of Bioresources to provide senior leadership for the strategic direction, operational performance, scientific standards and service delivery of its small animal research facility on North Terrace.

This senior role will provide specialist expertise in laboratory animal science and lead the implementation of best-practice standards within a Specified Pathogen Free (SPF) research environment. You will play a critical role in shaping facility capability, supporting high-quality research outcomes and upholding exceptional standards of animal welfare, ethics, compliance and client service.

You will work closely with SAHMRI’s Scientific Services and Operations Manager, Animal Welfare and Compliance Officer, Animal Ethics Officer, Animal Ethics Committee, Director-PIRL, researchers and operational teams. You will also engage with external stakeholders, including South Australian universities, commercial partners and regulators.

Key responsibilities

Lead the strategic direction, day-to-day operation, service delivery and continuous improvement of SAHMRI’s Bioresources facility

Maintain the facility’s SPF status through robust health monitoring, biosecurity, biocontainment, quarantine and quality practices

Provide expert advice to researchers on animal models, procedures, pilot studies, experimental design and resource requirements





Support successful research projects involving wild type and genetically modified animals while promoting exceptional animal welfare and ethics compliance

Develop, review and improve standard operating procedures, animal care protocols and research‑specific procedures

Introduce new technologies, methodologies and process improvements to enhance facility capability and research support

Lead, support and develop direct reports while fostering a collaborative, safe and service‑focused team culture

Oversee user training programs, workshops, stakeholder engagement and research governance activities, including contributions to SAHMRI’s Animal Ethics Committee

Oversee facility administration, reporting, cost recovery, budgets, animal inventory, consumables and equipment to ensure sustainable and effective service delivery

Work with internal and external partners to optimise the use of research infrastructure, specialist equipment and shared capability

About You

You will be an experienced laboratory animal science qualified with sound judgement, strong operational capability and a commitment to high standards of animal welfare, compliance and research support.

You will bring:

A tertiary qualification in veterinary science, medical science, laboratory animal science or a related research field involving laboratory animals

Postgraduate qualifications, progress towards postgraduate qualifications and/or extensive relevant experience

Significant experience managing research facility resources, including people, animals, budgets, equipment and operations





Demonstrated hands‑on experience using, caring for and managing laboratory animals in a research environment

Strong understanding of laboratory animal welfare, ethics and regulatory compliance requirements

Knowledge of a broad range of laboratory species, pathogen exclusion, health monitoring, biocontainment and quarantine practices

Understanding of quality systems such as ISO, GLP and/or AAALAC, with a commitment to implementation and continuous improvement

Strong people leadership, communication, stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills

Confidence using relevant software, systems and research facility management tools

The ability to manage competing priorities, work independently and meet deadlines

A strong client service mindset and commitment to supporting research excellence

Experience delivering or supervising training workshops, which would be highly regarded

Special Requirements

Some out‑of‑hours work may be required

The successful candidate may need to be contactable outside normal working hours at certain times

Everything we do is underpinned by our values of excellence, innovation, courage, integrity and teamwork. We are proud of the work we do and are committed to building a culture that enables and demands research excellence.

As a not-for-profit organisation, SAHMRI employees can access salary packaging options up to $15,900, helping reduce taxable income and increase take‑home pay.

Applications may close earlier than advertised if a suitable candidate is identified.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional information

To be considered for this position, applicants must hold relevant working rights within Australia at the time of application.

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📌 Head of Bioresources (Adelaide)
🏢 SAHMRI
📍 Adelaide