Jobs and Careers

• Provide high-level, expert technical advice to the broader IMAS community
• Maintain a safe workplace for staff and students in line with IMAS and UTAS policies
• Full time, ongoing position based in Hobart

About the opportunity

IMAS is a centre for both marine research and education. Our basic and applied research is characterised as innovative, relevant, and globally distinctive. Education at IMAS delivers world class programs, resulting in highly trained graduates who serve the needs of academic institutions, industry, government, and the community. Our natural advantages include our Tasmanian location proximal to important fisheries and aquaculture industries and Tasmania hosting one of the world's largest critical masses of marine and Antarctic researchers.

This position provides high level technical support to the research and teaching program across a range of projects within the IMAS Laboratories. The Laboratory Manager will be part of a team responsible for the overall management and operation of multiple IMAS research and teaching laboratories. The Laboratory Manager will also be responsible for maintaining compliance of Biosecurity Approved Arrangements and PC2 laboratories at the IMAS Taroona site.

The Laboratory Manager will facilitate the effective and safe operation of the laboratories at Taroona providing day-to-day operational support, teaching support and training to staff and students, strategic planning, and ensuring compliance with relevant UTAS and statutory Work Health and Safety Regulations and Codes of Practice. The position also requires being on call for multiple systems on site and oversite of the Taroona facility.

What you’ll do:

• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, facilitate and assist with teaching support and support services at IMAS ensuring provision of key facilities, safety systems and management of storage areas.
• Provide high level expert technical advice to the wider IMAS community, IMAS Operations Manager, IMAS Business Manager and IMAS Leadership Team concerning the safe management of laboratories and chemicals at IMAS, strategic planning, assets and laboratory budgeting.
• Provide a safe working environment for staff and students ensuring that all IMAS and UTAS policies are implemented; inductions and ongoing training are provided to lab users, and risk management support to staff and students.
• Liaise with external contractors and UTAS facilities staff to manage ongoing maintenance, repair and compliance of laboratories, facilities and equipment, including purchasing and commissioning of equipment when required.
• Manage laboratory related alarms and backup systems for freezers, constant temperature rooms, and gas sensors, ensuring documented contacts for these systems, working with UTAS Security to ensure appropriate responses to alarms.

What we’re looking for:

• Completion of a science degree, and at least 5 years demonstrated laboratory management experience in a marine aquaculture research facility or a higher education teaching laboratory.
• Strong WHS knowledge including strong knowledge of chemical and laboratory hazards, and how to successfully manage them, and direct experience in the development and implementation of risk assessments, safe working practices and standard operating protocols in a laboratory environment.
• Familiar with the requirements in providing technical laboratory support in PC2 and /or Biosecurity controlled laboratories, and ability to ensure compliance with federal and national legislation.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse and solve complex technical and non-technical problems and to adapt rapidly to changing priorities and tasks.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a wide range of people and organisations and negotiate with senior representatives from internal and external organisations.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 6 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $116,872 comprising base salary within the range of $92,120 to $99,891 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience.  You do not need to separately address the success profile criteria.
• For further information about this position, please contact Pam Quayle, Principal Laboratory Manager, pam.quayle@utas.edu.au or 03 6226 7859.
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• For current UTAS staff, in submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description- 501704 - Laboratory Manager .pdf

Applications close Monday, 24 November 2025, 11.55pm

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.