Role type: Full-time; Continuing
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences
Salary: Senior Manager 1 salary package, including up to 17% super
Premier and high-performing department / Apply your operational leadership to enable globally impactful medical discoveries / Collaborate with broad networks and stakeholders
An opportunity to work through large and exciting projects.
Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.
The University of Melbourne
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.
Your responsibilities will include:
Lead integrated operational management across administration, research services and teaching support for the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.
Working closely with the Head of Department, develop and implement strategic and operational plans, performance measures and resource models aligned with School and Faculty priorities.
Oversee budgeting, financial monitoring and modelling, providing timely advice to the Head of Department and School Manager regarding interventions to manage risk and support decision-making for optimal outcomes.
Manage infrastructure, space planning and laboratory-related operational matters, including supporting a major new building’s operational readiness.
Build strong relationships across the School, Faculty, Doherty Institute and shared services to coordinate collaborative, compliant service delivery.
You may be a great fit if you:
Hold postgraduate qualifications, or significant equivalent experience, gained in large, complex organisations or research-intensive environments.
Demonstrate proven operational leadership in laboratory-based, medical research, hospital or tertiary education settings.
Bring extensive financial management capability, including budgeting, forecasting, modelling and advising on resource allocation and risk.
Manage infrastructure, space planning and laboratory operations issues, negotiating practical, compliant solutions with diverse stakeholders.
Lead inclusive, collaborative teams, creating positive, imaginative cultures that enhance both staff and student experiences.
Navigate change confidently, balancing strategy and hands-on delivery while building trust across complex stakeholder networks.
For further information please refer to the attached Candidate Information Pack.
What we offer you!
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:
Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being.
Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance.
Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance.
Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program.
For more information check out our benefits page!
Your new team
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is a large, high-performing department within the School of Biomedical Sciences. Located in the southern hemisphere’s leading biomedical precinct, the School brings together scientists, clinicians and educators. You will join a collaborative culture that shares ideas, infrastructure and expertise to deliver impactful research and education.
Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.
We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team, Korin Korin, at [email protected].
Application essentials:
Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
Please upload your resume, a cover letter outlining your interest and experience, and the responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description) as part of the application process.
^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria
Want to know more?
For queries related to this specific position, please follow the details listed on the Position Description.
For questions related to our recruitment process email Emily Haagensen at [email protected]
For recruitment adjustments contact Emily Haagensen on +61428005853 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').
Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.
Applications close: 20 September 2026 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.
Position Description: Candidate Information Pack - JR-017658 Strategy & Operations Manager, Micro and Immu.pdf
Skills Required
- Postgraduate qualifications or significant equivalent experience in large, complex organisations or research-intensive environments
- Proven operational leadership in laboratory-based, medical research, hospital, or tertiary education settings
- Extensive financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, modelling, resource allocation, and risk advising
- Experience managing infrastructure, space planning, and laboratory operations issues
- Ability to negotiate practical and compliant solutions with diverse stakeholders
- Experience leading inclusive, collaborative teams
- Ability to navigate organisational change while balancing strategy and hands-on delivery
- Current valid work rights for Australia
- Working with Children Check
- Resume, cover letter, and responses to the selection criteria
What We Do
The University of Melbourne is a leading public research university that makes distinctive contributions to society in research, learning, teaching, and engagement.
