"Manager, Laboratory and Technical Support (Anatomy & Pathology)"

Manager, Laboratory and Technical Support (Anatomy & Pathology)

•  494770
•  Townsville
•  Professional
•  Full time
•  Closing on: Mar 29 2026

Position Description

James Cook University (JCU) is seeking an experienced and values-driven leader for the role of Manager, Laboratory and Technical Support (Anatomy and Pathology). This pivotal role combines strategic leadership and operational excellence, leading the delivery of safe, high‑quality and compliant laboratory and technical services to support anatomy and pathology teaching, and the JCU Human Bequest Program. Working as part of the Laboratory and Technical Support leadership team, you will play a key role in enabling excellent teaching outcomes across multiple locations.

• Achieve your career goals at a leading higher education institution
• Based at Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus in tropical North Queensland
• HEWL 8: $111,960 - $128,567 per year plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits
• Relocation assistance may be negotiated for the preferred candidate. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

In this position, you will lead the strategic and operational aspects of the Anatomy and Pathology team, ensuring compliance with legislative and safety standards while delivering measurable outcomes for the university and its stakeholders. You will oversee complex anatomical licensing governance and the JCU Human Bequest Program by offering high-level advice and ensuring all reporting, ethical and compliance requirements are met. Managing the safety and functionality of anatomy facilities, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining policies, procedures, and training programs to uphold a safe learning and working environment.

Your contributions will directly support high-quality outcomes for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as external clients. This involves technical preparation, including embalming, prosection, dissection and specimen handling, as well as the design and delivery of specialised training. As an effective leader, you will inspire a culture of high performance, safety, and teamwork within your team while managing human resources effectively and contribute to the collective performance of the Academic Services directorate.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Success in this role requires degree qualifications, a significant technical background in anatomy‑related laboratory environments, extensive leadership and strategic management experience in a related role or field, along with a demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and ethically complex programs. You will hold strong technical expertise in handling human remains, dissection and prosection techniques in human and other animal cadaveric material, experience with embalming and gross sectioning, and knowledge of museum potting and other preservation methods. Your expertise in Transplantation and Anatomy and WHS legislation will ensure the delivery of a compliant and supportive workplace. Extensive organisational and problem-solving skills, coupled with excellent communication abilities, are essential to maintaining effective relationships with diverse stakeholders and supporting and strengthening a respectful, high‑performing team environment.

Special Conditions

This position requires a current First Aid Certificate, a ‘C’ class Queensland Driver’s License, a Working with Children Blue Card, and Hepatitis B vaccination and demonstrated serology. You will also uphold the confidentiality of donor and registrant information in the Human Bequest Program. This position also requires the ability to meet manual handling demands, including safe lifting techniques, and a willingness to acquire other vaccinations if necessary with reasonable notice.

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE WITH JCU

At JCU we’re not just shaping minds; we’re shaping the future.

As Australia’s only university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide, JCU is dedicated to helping the world’s tropical regions to prosper. With our main campuses located in the vibrant and diverse tropics of Northern Queensland, JCU is at the forefront of research and education in some of the world’s most critical areas, including marine biology, environmental science, tropical and rural health, and more.

Find out more about JCU and our locations.

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 with access to on-site childcare and medical services at our Townsville and Cairns’ campuses

HOW TO APPLY AND CONTACT DETAILS

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form
2. Upload your current resume
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role. 

Applications close on Sunday 29th March at 11:55 PM AEST.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Dr Amanda Norton via email amanda.norton1@jcu.edu.au.

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