Head of Laboratory Science

Menzies School of Health Research; Darwin; On-site; AUD 162,000 - 251,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Six weeks annual leave

Salary packaging up to $15,900

Meals and entertainment card

Superannuation up to 14%

Job summary

Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin seeks a Head of Laboratory Science to provide strategic leadership of laboratory services and scientific capability across the organisation. This senior role mentors researchers and technical staff to ensure rigorous laboratory activities and alignment with priorities.

You will guide development of services, strengthen capabilities and foster a culture of scientific excellence and collaboration across northern Australia.

Qualifications

• Senior academic with a PhD and extensive laboratory/genomics experience.
• Proven success in leading teams, setting strategy and mentoring researchers and technical staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership of laboratory services across the organisation.
• Guide ongoing development of laboratory services and strengthen research capability.
• Support researchers to ensure laboratory activities are rigorous, integrated and aligned with priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Mentoring

Laboratory management

Genomics experience

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Job description

Part Time (0.6 FTE) to Full Time (1.0 FTE)

Continuing Contract

Based in Darwin

Ready to lead the future of laboratory science at Menzies?

Bring your scientific expertise, strategic vision and leadership capability to a role that will influence research quality, strengthen organisational capability and support impactful health research across northern Australia.

The Role

Menzies School of Health Research is seeking a Head of Laboratory Science to provide strategic leadership of laboratory services and scientific capability across the organisation. This senior position will play a key advisory and mentoring role, supporting researchers to ensure laboratory activities are scientifically rigorous, effectively integrated within Menzies' infrastructure, and aligned with organisational priorities.

The role will guide the ongoing development of laboratory services, strengthen research capability, and foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation and collaboration.

About You

You will be a senior academic with a PhD in a relevant discipline and extensive laboratory-based and/or genomics research experience. You will have demonstrated success leading teams, developing strategy, and mentoring researchers and technical staff to achieve high-quality outcomes.

For appointment at Academic Level E, you will have a distinguished record of achievement in research, scholarship and teaching, with demonstrated success in securing competitive funding, delivering high-impact research outcomes, building strategic partnerships, and providing senior leadership within complex research environments.

For a full list of responsibilities and selection criteria, please refer to the Position Description available at:
https://www.menzies.edu.au/page/Careers/

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead and influence high-quality laboratory research across a diverse research portfolio.
• Collaborative, supportive and high-performing workplace culture.
• Meaningful work that contributes to improving health outcomes and lives.
• Salary: $162,446-$178,015 (Academic Level D) or $206,568 (Academic Level E) per annum, pro rata.
• Total Remuneration Package: $198,472-$216,221 (Level D) or $250,876 (Level E) per annum, pro rata.
• Six weeks annual leave.
• Salary packaging benefits of up to $15,900 plus a $2,650 meals and entertainment card.
• Superannuation options of up to 14%.

Menzies is a national leader in research and education and works to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and populations across our region. As a leader in global and tropical research into life-threatening illnesses, Menzies continues to translate its research knowledge through genuine and effective partnerships with communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

We are committed to providing a culturally safe, inclusive and supportive workplace and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Want to Know More?

For further information about the role, contact:

Visit the Menzies Careers website:
https://www.menzies.edu.au/page/Careers/

Applicants requiring workplace adjustments or recruitment support are encouraged to advise us during the application process.

Closing Date: Sunday 8 November 2026