Lab Manager - Research Operations
MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000
YOUR ROLE IN OUR FUTURE
Laboratory Manager
- Ongoing, part time position - 60.8 hours per fortnight (4 days per week)
- Up to $94,862.04 (1RA5) to $115,527.48 per annum (1RA10) - depending on qualifications and experience. Full-time equivalent to be pro-rated for part-time.
- Attractive salary packaging options are available
At Peter Mac we aim to continuously improve cancer care, research and education across all cancers and for all people affected by cancer: changing lives, breaking new ground. Everything we do is underpinned by our core values, Excellence, Compassion and Innovation. Welcoming people from a wide variety of different backgrounds and experiences is critical to fostering innovation, cultivating compassion, attracting and retaining top talent and providing the best possible cancer care for our patients.
About the role
The role will be responsible for the managing of up to 2 research laboratory clusters comprising of approximately 50-80 researchers per cluster and/or supporting core facilities and will be responsible for the following:
Administering and coordinating the operational activities of nominated cluster(s) within the research/core division.
To act as an advisor to research staff and help resolve technical and operational issues.
Develop and administer cost recoveries, laboratory schedules/rosters and provide induction and training.
Ensure Standard Operating Procedures and policies are reviewed and consistently applied.
The role may also be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this description dependent on research needs.
About you
You will have advanced communication and negotiation skills with highly developed analytical and decision-making skills as well as problem solving skills with great attention to detail.
You'll bring with you:
- Relevant Qualification in science discipline or equivalent sector experience
- At least 3 years direct experience working in a research laboratory
- Proven financial and project management skills
- Ability to prioritise effectively, multitask and manage conflicting deadlines
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a busy team
- Sound knowledge of modern laboratory OH&S procedures and practices.
- Prior experience in research laboratory management including facilities and infrastructure management or working within a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) facility will be an advantage.
Our benefits
We offer a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally, including:
- Up to $11,660 in salary packaging to increase your take home pay
- Discounted health insurance and eye care
- A comprehensive health and wellbeing program
- Public transport options at our doorstep and end of trip facilities for cyclists
- Onsite eateries and coffee shops and inviting rooftop garden spaces
- Pathways for professional development and new career opportunities
- Five weeks annual leave, 17.5% leave loading & purchased leave options
Inclusion and belonging
Peter Mac celebrates, values and supports a diverse and inclusive environment which reflects our vibrant community. We encourage applications from anyone identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. We also welcome anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+, linguistically, culturally and/or gender diverse, people with disability, and people of any age to apply for our roles.
Join us!
If you feel this role is right for you, we warmly invite you to apply, and encourage your early application. All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory police check and may include vaccination requirements. Should you need assistance or require any adjustments or accommodations to fully participate in the application or interview process, you are welcome to reach out to the contact person listed. We acknowledge that not all applicants will meet the full list of selection criteria outlined, and wherever possible we will consider applications where relevant experience can apply.
Hiring Manager: Adelle Marrazzo
Email: adelle.marrazzo@petermac.org
Phone number: 03855 95947
Applications close: 11.59pm Wednesday 6 May 2026
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Position Summary
The role will be responsible for the managing of up to 2 research
laboratory clusters comprising of approximately 50-80 researchers
per cluster and/or supporting core facilities.
Administering and coordinating the operational activities of
nominated cluster(s) within the research/core division. To act as an
advisor to research staff and help resolve technical and
operational issues. Develop and administer cost recoveries,
laboratory schedules/rosters and provide induction and training.
Ensure Standard Operating Procedures and policies are reviewed
and consistently applied.
The role may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than
those specifically stated in this description dependent on research
needs.
Enterprise Agreement
Allied Health Professionals (2021 - 2026)
Classification or Salary Range
1RA5 - 1RA10
Immunisation Risk Category
Immunisation Category C: Posision within a non-clinical setting
Key Relationships
Internal
- All Research Staff and students
- Laboratory and Facility Management Team
- Procurement and Purchasing
- Professional Services
- OH&S
- Facilities & PPP
External
- Honeywell
- Security
- Courier/Shipping Companies
- Commercial Suppliers
- Suppliers of equipment and service engineers
Skills
Essential requirements
- Relevant Qualification in science discipline or equivalent
sector experience
- At least 3 years direct experience working in a research
laboratory
- Proven financial and project management skills
- Advanced communication and negotiation skills
- Highly developed analytical and decision-making skills
- Highly developed problem solving skills with attention to
detail
- Ability to prioritise effectively, multitask and manage
conflicting deadlines
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a busy team
- Sound knowledge of modern laboratory OH&S procedures
and practices.
Desirable requirements
- Prior experience in research laboratory management
including facilities and infrastructure management
- Previous experience working within a Private-Public
Partnership (PPP) facility.
Key Accountabilities
1. To oversee general maintenance and organisation of laboratories within their designated esearch cluster(s).
• To enable Research staff and students to undertake their work
with expertly managed facilities and workflows
• To induct staff and students into their local clusters
• Provide advice and support for staff requiring access to
additional training, equipment and facilities
• To ensure the building/research areas are maintained to a
working standard by managing rosters for communal spaces,
liaising with building partners when issues arise and ensuring
laboratory areas are adhering to PC2 standards.
• To assist the Facilities Manager in audits of research
infrastructure within their clusters
• To support lab groups/SLM in the completion of capital/minor
works
• To manage the allocation of research facility space within
clusters and in collaboration with the laboratory management
team
• To advise/support researchers to undertake GMO work in
accordance with the OGTR guidelines
• To contribute to the review and implementation of Standard
Operating Procedures relevant to Laboratory operations and
safety
• To participate in an out of hours on call roster for critical
equipment including black start and feeder testing when on call
• To help research groups troubleshoot their lab based/cluster
owed failed equipment in accordance with the asset register.
• To report communal research equipment issues to the Facilities
Manager
• To support the Facilities Manager during preventative
maintenance and certification by preparing equipment, booking
equipment out and sending reminder communications to staff
• To lead in the organisation and management of periodic deep
cleans within their clusters
• Actively participate in regular team/laboratory/core facility
meetings, including minute taking and coordination of agendas.
• Attend external meetings including departmental and building
partner meetings
• To act as area warden and first aid officer in the event of
accidents, emergencies and drills
• To support OH&S in communal chemical audits, SDS upload
rostering and recruiting H&S representatives
Key Accountabilities (Contd..)
2. To Support in the management of Facilities and
research cluster budgets:
• To provide cost recoveries dependent on communal usage
within their clusters ensuring costs are charged accordingly
• Together with Laboratory Management staff facilitate budget
savings across all research clusters
• Meet with the finance business partners to establish annual
communal cluster budgets.
3. Teamwork/Working Independently
• Work successfully and collaboratively with the Laboratory and
Facilities Management Team, and broader operational team
• To undertake ad-hoc duties normally performed by other team
members in response to changing workloads for leave coverage
• To successfully complete specified projects both individually and
as a team as set by the SLM
• Provide valuable contribution to the function of the Laboratory
Management Team, with a continuous improvement mindset
• Work towards accomplishing Peter Mac research strategic goals.
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For further information about this opportunity, click Apply to be redirected to the Peter Mac Careers page where you can review the position profile. Alternatively, please contact us for a confidential discussion.
Peter Mac is a child safe organisation and has a commitment to child safety and wellbeing.
WHY WORK FOR PETER MAC
- Peter Mac offer a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally.
- Our staff benefits include award winning facilities, professional development and events, a health and wellbeing program, flexible work practices and policies and financial benefits such as salary packaging.
- We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, all members of the LGBTQI community and people with a disability.