Manager, Laboratory and Technical Services (Operations and Safety)

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 research laboratory operations or technical service environments? This is an prospect to lead safe, compliant and high-quality laboratory and technical services that directly support safety, research and service outcomes across JCU.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager, Laboratory and Technical Services (Operations and Safety) to provide strategic and operational leadership across multidisciplinary facilities, teams and services.

- Laboratory and Technical Services, Education Division
- Full-time, continuing | 36.25 hours per week
- Successful candidate must be based in Townsville or willing to relocate before commencement
- Based at the Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and tropical North Queensland
- HEWL 8: $111,960 - $128,567 per annum plus up to 17% superannuation

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 research laboratory operations or technical service environments? This is an opportunity to lead safe, compliant and high-quality laboratory and technical services that directly support safety, research and service outcomes across JCU.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager, Laboratory and Technical Services (Operations and Safety) to provide strategic and operational leadership across multidisciplinary facilities,



teams and services.

About the role

As Manager, Laboratory and Technical Services (Operations and Safety), you will lead the planning, prioritisation and delivery of technical and operational services across Academy research facilities and JCU Stores. You will ensure facilities, specialised equipment and resources are safe, compliant and operationally ready, ensuring service delivery to researchers, and embedding effective safety, risk management and compliance practices within the team’s day-to-day operations. With a portfolio spanning varied research disciplines, including an array of biological sciences, chemistry, geology, dentistry and engineering laboratories across multiple facilities and campuses, you will optimise people and resources to support high-quality research, safety and service 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 bringrelevant qualifications, together with demonstrated leadership and operational management experience in a complex laboratory or technical service environment. You will have experience overseeing specialist facilities, technical equipment, analytical instruments 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

In addition to the Key Requirements for Success outlined in the Role Profile, the successful applicant must have:

- Management experience within scientific and/or engineering research laboratories, or comparable technical service environment, with a demonstrated understanding of the operational requirements of complex and regulated laboratory environments.
- Leadership experience in complex technical operational environments, with evidence of leading diverse teams, strengthening capability and collaboration, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, innovation and high performance.
- Experience in the effective operation of biological, chemical and/or engineering laboratories, including physical containment facilities, specialised equipment and analytical instruments, and associated technical services, enabling effective research and service outcomes

📌 Manager, Laboratory and Technical Services (Brisbane)
🏢 James Cook University
📍 Brisbane