Senior Manager, Biological Services

Adelaide University; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 135,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Adelaide University is seeking a Senior Manager, Biological Services to lead a dedicated team delivering high‑quality biological research infrastructure. You will oversee day‑to‑day operations, ensure animal care, welfare, compliance and safety, and drive continuous improvement across facilities.

You will provide strategic guidance, lead service innovation, and collaborate with researchers, regulatory bodies, and external partners to align with the University’s research and innovation ambitions.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field and extensive experience in laboratory animal science, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.
• Proven experience leading, managing, and developing a team in a complex service environment.
• Experience and extensive knowledge with the management of laboratory animal research facilities.
• Proven ability to make complex management decisions and drive operational efficiency.
• Experience in developing and implementing health, safety, and injury management plans.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in maintaining quality systems and coordinating continuous improvement processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of biological research facilities and ensure high standards of animal care, welfare, compliance and safety.
• Provide strategic advice, lead service innovation, and align facilities with legislative and University requirements.

Skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Operations management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Tertiary qualification in a relevant field

Job description

• Based in Biological Services in the Research and Innovation Portfolio at the Campus West
• Full-time fixed term contract until 30 September 2027
• Salary Range: $135,226 - $144,672 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)

At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions - because when you thrive, we thrive.

We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it's a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia's future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.

Work that matters

As the Senior Manager, Biological Services, you will lead a dedicated team responsible for delivering high-quality biological research infrastructure and services that enable world-class research across the University. You will oversee the day-to-day operations of biological research facilities, ensuring the highest standards of animal care, welfare, compliance, and safety while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement. Working closely with researchers, senior leaders, regulatory bodies, and external stakeholders, you will provide strategic advice, lead service innovation, and ensure facilities operate in accordance with legislative, ethical, and University requirements. This is an exciting leadership opportunity to shape the future of biological services by fostering a culture of excellence, supporting cutting-edge research, and aligning facility operations with the University's research and innovation ambitions.

Curious to learn more? Explore the full role description below to discover more about this opportunity.

The team

Reporting to the Associate Director, Biological Services, this role forms part of Research Infrastructure team within Biological Services and is aligned to the Research and Innovation Portfolio within the University.

This role will provide role guidance, professional development, direction and coaching for up to five (5) direct reports across three separate facilities.

Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.

This role is perfect for someone who is an engaging and collaborative leader with a passion for building high-performing teams and fostering a positive, inclusive culture. You are an exceptional communicator who thrives on developing strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and can confidently navigate complex or challenging situations with professionalism and empathy. With a calm, solutions-focused approach, you excel at resolving conflict, bringing people together, and creating an environment where people can work collaboratively to support world-class research.

Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU .

Experience

To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field and extensive experience in laboratory animal science, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading, managing, and developing a team in a complex service environment
• Experience and extensive knowledge with the management of laboratory animal research facilities
• Proven ability to make complex management decisions and drive operational efficiency
• Experience in developing and implementing health, safety, and injury management plans
• High-level written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and stakeholder engagement
• Experience in maintaining quality systems and coordinating continuous improvement processes

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Applications welcomed from Australian or NZ citizens, Australian permanent residents and those who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of appointment.