Facility Manager (School of Molecular Sciences)

UWA; Crawley; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier research institution in Crawley is seeking a Facility Manager to lead a plant synthetic biology facility. This role involves managing laboratory operations, overseeing financial aspects, and engaging with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications in molecular biology or similar and proven experience in laboratory management. The position offers a competitive salary and 17% superannuation, with potential for incremental progression based on service. Closing date for applications is January 20, 2026.

Benefits

26 weeks paid parental leave after one year

4 weeks annual leave with purchase options

17% superannuation

Discounted health insurance

Childcare options on campus

Qualifications

• Experience managing life sciences facilities.
• Proven laboratory and infrastructure management experience.
• Strong skills in budget management and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment and daily management of the facility.
• Oversee laboratory operations and financial management.
• Drive strategic planning for biotechnology innovation.

Skills

Laboratory management

Financial management

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Relevant qualifications in molecular biology

Job description

• 26 weeks paid parental leave after one year and 36 weeks after five years continuous service, regardless of gender.
• 4 weeks annual leave with the option to purchase more.
• 13 weeks long service leave after seven/ten years.
• Salary packaging options.
• 17% superannuation, with the option to reduce to the minimum super guarantee.
• 25% off UWA full fee courses, discounted health insurance, and convenient on-campus childcare options.
• Incremental progression based on 12 months continuous service.

Facility Manager (School of Molecular Sciences)

Job no: 521863
Work type: Full Time
Location: Crawley
Categories: Technical/Laboratory support

• Lead a cutting-edge plant synthetic biology facility at UWA’s premier research hub.
• Drive innovation in biotechnology and agriculture with national and industry partners.
• Full-time (1.0 FTE) appointment on a fixed term basis March 2026-June 2028.
• Base salary range: $116,262 – $127,078 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The Plant Synbio Innovation Centre (PSIC) is located within the School of Molecular Sciences at UWA. As the WA node of Plant SynBio Australia under Bioplatforms Australia and the NCRIS program, PSIC will serve as a hub for cutting‑edge research capabilities in plant synthetic biology, and agricultural biotechnology. The facility houses state‑of‑the‑art molecular biology infrastructure and operates in collaboration with national PSBA nodes at ANU, La Trobe University, and Adelaide University. The facility will work with research, industry, and government partners to develop and deliver cutting‑edge plant synbio technologies and services.

About the opportunity

• Lead the establishment and daily management of a national research infrastructure facility in plant synthetic biology technology development and service delivery.
• Oversee laboratory operations, financial management, reporting, and stakeholder engagement across academia, industry, and government.
• Drive strategic planning and capability development to position PSIC as a catalyst for innovation in WA’s biotechnology and agricultural sectors.

About you

• Relevant qualifications in molecular biology, biotechnology, plant science, or equivalent professional experience managing life sciences facilities.
• Proven experience in laboratory and infrastructure management, including procurement, compliance, and workflow optimisation.
• Strong organisational and financial skills, with the ability to manage budgets, reporting, service delivery, and service‑pricing models.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage diverse stakeholders and lead technical teams effectively.
• Knowledge of biosafety, biosecurity, and quality systems, with a commitment to operational excellence and risk management.

Special Requirements

• Occasional travel interstate or overseas may be required.
• Some after‑hours work may be required.
• Current Finance Check.
• Current National Police Clearance Check.

Closing date

11:55 PM AWST on Tuesday January 20th, 2026.

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Please note: Unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted outside of formal channels.

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at [e-mail] with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6‑digit job reference number.

Advertised: 10 Dec 2025 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close: 20 Jan 2026 W. Australia Standard Time