"Research Laboratory Manager"

Job Description

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The School of Chemistry is internationally recognised for its excellence in research and teaching. Our mission is to nurture students to become leaders who will generate societal, economic, and environmental benefits. The School is one of the largest and most prestigious schools in Australia for thriving research programs. Our School’s QS ranking for 2025 is #49 globally and the highest in Australia. For further information on the School go to https://www.unsw.edu.au/science/our-schools/chemistry

The Research Laboratory Manager will manage the operations of the Smart Materials and Surfaces Research Group and actively develop and implement practices and procedures to support the laboratory activities of the Smart Materials and Surfaces Research Group. The Research Laboratory Manager is responsible for leading and supervising a team of research staff and students within these laboratories while carrying out the general management of the laboratories. This position is focused on achieving maximum research efficiency for one of the largest research groups at UNSW.

About the role

• $127K - $143K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 3 years
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role reports to Scientia Professor Justin Gooding and has one direct report.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Develop and implement guidelines, processes and procedures that align and support the laboratory activities of the Smart Materials and Surfaces Research Group
• Supervise research staff and students as required, including monitoring, and facilitating undergraduate and postgraduate student research projects
• Consult, liaise and develop strong relationships with stakeholders to achieve research outcomes
• Assist students and staff in editing research publications to facilitate the successful publication of their research work.
• Design, implement and manage laboratory databases and information systems and pro-actively analyze and report on research performance and other relevant metrics and recommend initiatives to improve research performance.
• Represent laboratory group at other UNSW work areas, advisory groups, meetings, and other activities and lead/manage other Centre-wide research activities as required.
• Adhere to OH&S principles and actively ensure their implementation by other research group members
• Provide support on research projects mutually agreed upon between the appointee and their supervisors, which is aligned with the appointee’s skill set and the research groups interests, with the potential to lead to journal publications.
• Manage a tissue culture facility, ensuring its efficient operation through planning and coordination, including inventory control, and stocking of all essential consumables in a timely manner to support uninterrupted research activities.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values
• Ensure hazards and risks psychosocial and physical are identified and controlled for tasks, projects, and activities that pose a health and safety risk within your area of responsibility.

About the successful applicant (Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A PHD in Chemistry with substantial extension of the theories and principles normally requiring extensive relevant graduate experience, including highly developed chemical synthesis skills.
• A high level of familiarity with synthetic chemistry, cell biology and measurement science is desirable, but not required.
• Experience managing inventory and purchases via Jaggaer, or equivalent.
• Experience in handling industrially sensitive information and compiling documents for ROI’s and IP applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced. Proven ability to influence senior management and stakeholders as appropriate to ensure successful outcomes
• Sound influencing and consultation skills and proven ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders including external parties such as industry partners, contracted service providers and staff from other universities.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed above in your application.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact: Justin Gooding E: justin.gooding@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: September 17th, 2025