Principal Scientific Officer and Floor Manager

• UQ Centre for Clinical Research

• Full-time, permanent position

• Base salary will be in the range $100,554 - $109,496 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 7)

• Based at our Herston Campus

About This Opportunity

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to manage the shared facilities and research equipment across all floors of our academic building. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for overseeing the maintenance and smooth operation of communal equipment to ensure maximum efficiency for our 200+ academics within the CCR.

Working within a small, dynamic facilities team, you will collaborate closely with the Operations Manager and another Floor Manager to support the needs of each research group. Your responsibilities will include managing equipment maintenance, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and facilitating the proper use of shared resources.

The ideal candidate will be thorough and proactive, with a strong ability to problem-solve and take initiative in maintaining seamless operations. You should be a self-starter who thrives in a collaborative environment and is eager to contribute to the smooth running of an essential academic space.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Manage UQCCR laboratory equipment, including scheduling, supplies, training, troubleshooting, servicing, and compliance with quality systems; provide after-hours on-call support and coordinate research activities.

• Act as Fire Warden, First Aid coordinator, and Workplace Health and Safety Coordinator (WHSC), ensuring safety protocols are followed and advising senior staff on WHS responsibilities and risk control measures.

• Coordinate activities with UQCCR Research Groups and facility staff, ensuring stakeholder interaction and collaboration.

• Serve as the central contact between research staff, the Centre’s Executive team, and maintenance staff/contractors, while managing the efficient use of UQCCR space.

• Coordinate IT resources within the Centre and liaise with ITS, handling other duties as directed by the Operations Manager.

• Manage induction and training for new staff, visitors, and contractors, including specialised equipment use, risk assessments, and chemical storage; oversee access, procurement, and cost recovery for Centre-owned equipment.

• Coordinate UQCCR assets, stocktakes, chemical inventory, and infrastructure needs; ensure maintenance of communal areas and support compliance with OGTR, Ethics, and DAFF requirements.

For a full position description please contact talent@uq.edu.au

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• 26 weeks paid parental leave or 26 weeks paid primary caregiver leave

• 17% superannuation contributions

• 17.5% annual leave loading

• Access to flexible working arrangements including; flexible start/finish times, flexi-time or Voluntary Banked Time.

• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family

• UQ Study for Staff

• Salary packaging options

About You  

• BSc (Hons) in Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field with 3-5 years of research laboratory experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Extensive experience in imaging and microscopy, histology, molecular biology techniques, and laboratory WHS and knowledge of current WHS, OGTR, and Biosecurity legislative requirements and ability to interpret and apply them.

• Detailed knowledge of equipment such as flow cytometry, imaging, PCR, etc.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with stakeholders, including research staff and students, in running the Centre.

• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, solve complex problems, and remain organised under broad direction.

• Effective written and oral communication skills, with potential exposure to human and animal tissue requiring vaccinations and health surveillance.

• It would be desirable to have WHS certifications, knowledge of university operating procedures and knowledge and/or experience of technical quality systems (eg ISO 17025, GLP, GCLP) administered by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including right to work in Australia and mandatory immunisations.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Simon Cridland, Manager Operations s.cridland@uq.edu.au . For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 
 

Want to Apply? 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section  

• Resume 

Other Information 

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion , fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close Sunday 13th April 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-49455). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Thursday 17th April 2025.