Research Operations Manager

at; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading medical research facility in Western Australia is seeking a strategic Research Operations Manager to enhance high-quality operational support for impactful medical research. This full-time role requires leadership skills, governance knowledge, and experience in managing operational functions within a PC2 compliant laboratory environment.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Generous leave benefits

Salary packaging options

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of OGTR requirements.
• Experience managing PC2 certified laboratories.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational functions for high-quality research.
• Oversee OGTR certification and compliance.
• Develop and implement policies for laboratory operations.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Education

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline

Tools

Office 365

Data management tools

Job description

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The Perkins is seeking a strategic and service focused Research Operations Manager to lead the delivery of high-quality operational support that enables world-class medical research. This position is offered on a full time permanent basis (0.8 FTE considered), located at our state-of the-art medical research facilities in Nedlands.

About the Perkins

The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, affectionately known as ‘the Perkins’, is Western Australia’s leading medical research facility, investigating the diseases that most impact our families including the hardest to treat cancers, heart disease, diabetes and rare genetic diseases. At the Perkins, we support WA’s best medical researchers to beat the world’s toughest diseases to give you and your loved ones the best chance to live longer, healthier and better lives.

About this role

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Research Operations Manager leads the operational functions that underpin high quality research across laboratory services, flow cytometry and media production. The role ensures compliance with research governance and regulatory frameworks, including OGTR requirements, while driving continuous improvement, safety, and operational excellence across all Perkins research facilities. The key responsibilities of this role include:

• Providing leadership to the Research Operations team to deliver service focused and compliant operations aligned with organisational goals.
• Overseeing OGTR certification and compliance for PC2 laboratories, ensuring governance, audits and induction processes are maintained to a high standard.
• Developing and implementing policies, procedures and risk management systems that support safe, compliant and efficient laboratory operations.
• Collaborating with the Equipment Committee to develop and implement the Institute’s laboratory equipment strategy.
• Partnering with Group Leaders and Committees to optimise laboratory services, equipment management and research space utilisation.
• Leading the development and management of operational budgets, service models and charge rates.
• Ensuring the delivery of high-quality media production and flow cytometry services.
• Supporting a culture of safety, collaboration and continuous improvement within Research Operations.
• Managing and mentoring a multidisciplinary team, fostering professional development and high performance.

This role would suit someone who is a confident leader with strong governance knowledge, a collaborative mindset and a passion for enabling impactful research.

To be successful in this role, you’ll have:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• In-depth knowledge of OGTR requirements, the Gene Technology Act 2000 and associated laboratory standards.
• Experience managing PC2 certified laboratories and biohazard containment.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with a focus on collaboration and service excellence.
• Strong project management, planning, and organisational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience developing and implementing policies, procedures and compliance systems.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills in a complex operational environment.
• Proficiency in Office 365 and data management tools.
• A current WA Driver’s Licence and the ability to obtain a National Police Certificate.

If you really want to stand out, tell us about your:

• Experience in medical research environments and understanding of laboratory governance frameworks.
• Ability to develop service models and operational improvement strategies.
• Commitment to fostering a positive safety culture and continuous improvement mindset.

If this sounds like the right fit, we can offer you:

• Flexible working options
• A supportive and passionate team
• The opportunity to make a positive impact in a community-focused organisation with global reach
• The ability to salary package up to $18,550 annually, meaning you can legitimately pay less tax and increase your tax‑home pay
• Generous leave benefits, including:

• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• 3 days paid extra leave at the end of the year
• 2 days of paid cultural and community engagement leave

Are you ready to make a difference?

To apply, please submit your cover letter addressing the selection criteria and your resume. Only applications submitted via Seek will be considered.

Applications close on 1 December 2025 however we’ll begin interviewing as soon as we hear from the right people so be quick!

Vision

That Western Australia will be a world leader in medical research, is driven by the knowledge that outstanding local medical research will accelerate the delivery of the latest breakthroughs to Western Australians and result in improved health of the community.

Mission

To recruit and build internationally renowned highly skilled research teams, comprising doctors, scientists, biostatisticians, pathologists and epidemiologists, working together with cutting edge technologies to make new discoveries and translate this new knowledge into more effective treatments and cures.