Manager, Laboratory and Technical Services, AITHM

James Cook University; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 112,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% employer superannuation

Five weeks annual recreation leave

Paid sick/carers leave

Paid parental leave (up to 6 months)

Flexible working options

Staff study assistance and paid study/

Professional development support

Fitness Passport

Health insurance discount

Employee Assistance Program

Well-equipped facilities

Job summary

James Cook University invites a strategic leader to direct laboratory and technical services across the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine. You will ensure researchers have access to high‑quality facilities, specialist equipment and expert support while guiding governance, safety and compliance.

Based at Cairns Nguma-bada campus, you will lead a skilled team, drive service improvements, optimise resource use and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in laboratory operations or research support environments.
• Strong governance, compliance and workplace safety knowledge.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide direction across laboratory and technical services and oversee governance and safety.
• Lead resource allocation, budgeting and maintenance of specialist facilities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Laboratory operations

Stakeholder engagement

Governance & safety

Job description

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.

Ready to lead the laboratory and technical services and manage the specialised infrastructure that enables world-leading tropical health research? Join the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) and work alongside researchers tackling some of the most significant health challenges facing tropical regions. You'll empower a skilled technical workforce, shape the future of research support services and help create the environment where discovery and innovation thrive.

• Full-time, continuing opportunity | 36.25 hours per week
• Based at the Cairns Nguma-bada campus, Smithfield
• HEWL 8: $111,960 - $128,567 per annum plus up to 17% superannuation

ABOUT THE ROLE

In this influential leadership role, you will provide direction across laboratory and technical services, ensuring researchers have access to high-quality facilities, specialist equipment and expert support. AITHM's research infrastructure includes specialised facilities such as PC2 and PC3 laboratories, mosquito insectaries, and other research environments supporting tropical health and infectious disease research. Working closely with stakeholders across the Institute, you will oversee laboratory operations, resource allocation, governance, safety and compliance while leading a team of technical professionals.

You will play a key role in driving service improvements, enhancing operational effectiveness and ensuring laboratory and technical services remain responsive to the evolving needs of research programs. Through strong leadership and strategic planning, you will foster a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement while supporting the delivery of world-class tropical health and medical research.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

You are an experienced leader with a strong background in laboratory operations, technical services or research support environments. You bring demonstrated success leading teams, managing operational resources and delivering effective, high-quality technical and research support services within complex organisations.

Your understanding of laboratory governance, compliance and workplace health and safety enables you to confidently manage risk while maintaining high operational standards. Coupled with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, you can build productive relationships, influence outcomes and support a positive, high-performing workplace culture.

WHY JCU

JCU offers a dynamic and culturally diverse workplace where your ideas are valued, your professional growth is supported, and your work-life balance is respected. Working under the values of Authenticity, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect, we support and empower our people through the provisions of;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading
• 15 days paid sick/carers leave per year
• Up to 6 months paid parental leave
• A range of flexible working options
• Staff study assistance and paid study leave
• Ongoing professional development support
• Fitness Passport
• Corporate discount on health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program (coaching and counselling)
• Well-equipped modern facilities and contemporary workspaces

ABOUT OUR PROCESS

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet the role requirements to apply. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming learning and working environment.