Description:
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School of Mathematics and Physics
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Full-time, fixed-term position for up to 14 months.
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Base salary will be in the range of $100,554.29 -$109,496.46 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 7)
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Diverse, supportive, and family-friendly work environment
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Based at our St Lucia campus location
About This Opportunity
The Laboratory Supervisor manages the technical operation and functional performance of the School of Mathematics and Physics (SMP) physics research laboratories. SMP host or are associated with a range of research centres and laboratories that includes quantum technology, organic opto-electronics, surface science, bio-photonics and laser science. This role involves building strong and effective relationships with academic and professional colleagues across multiple research groups in the School and the broader University; providing clear technical advice; and managing the operation of all SMP research laboratories, including responsibility for business management, asset management, equipment procurement; installation and maintenance; equipment training to HDR and Honours students and staff, financial and resource administration and budgeting; and Work, Health and Safety of the laboratories.
Key responsibilities will include but not limited to:
Technical and Functional Laboratory Management
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Under the School Manager’s direction and with input from academic leaders, oversee lab team operations, including equipment installation, operation, and maintenance to support research.
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Manage lab facilities, including procurement, upgrades, and facility changes.
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Supervise contractors and manage risks, issues, dependencies, and scope changes.
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Oversee lab equipment operations, repairs, and maintenance.
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Support the diverse range of SMP labs and SMP equipment housed in other locations, and other user facilities of SMP.
Laboratory Business Management
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Advise on efficient use of facilities and ongoing resource needs.
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Coordinate equipment procurement, planning, and prioritisation.
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Assist with lab budgets, resource management, and procurement for consumables, equipment, maintenance, and service contracts
Technical/Scientific
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Provide expertise and advice on lab methods, equipment, quality assurance procedures, risk assessments, and waste management.
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Train and support users in lab procedures and facilitate training workshops on laboratory methods.
Leadership and management
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Motivate staff and students to pursue best practice, drive continuous improvement, adapt to change, foster a positive culture, build team cohesion, and promote clear communication.
Safety
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Implement procedures for facility and equipment operation
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Assist users to develop safe operating procedures, risk assessments and safety processes.
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Implement a high standard of Occupational Health and Safety including conducting inductions, supervision, equipment training registers, administration of Laboratory/Facility Inventories, reporting and investigating injuries, incidents and hazards.
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Manage and control risks, including risk identification, implementation of control/mitigation measures, risk analysis and reporting.
To obtain a copy of the full Position Description, please email 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:
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Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
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17% superannuation contributions
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17.5% annual leave loading
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Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
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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
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UQ Study for Staff
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On campus childcare options
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Affordable parking (from just $6.15 a day)
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Salary packaging options
About You
We are looking for a Laboratory Supervisor to manage the effective and efficient operation of the SMP Physics research laboratories.
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Completion of a relevant degree with at least four (4) years of relevant experience; or extensive experience and management expertise in laboratory management and/or a relevant research field; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
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Relevant experience in a laboratory supervision or management role, preferably in physics or a related field.
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Detailed knowledge of legislative and health and safety requirements, including any legislative and regulatory requirements.
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Demonstrated understanding of mechanical systems, instrumentation and data acquisition related to the broad field of physics, and experience in maintenance of these.
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Well-developed problem-solving skills, with an ability to forward plan, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and work with a high level of adaptability, both independently and as part of a team.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to produce clear, succinct documentation and the ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in a research environment.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia.
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Ms Lara Atzeni via smp.sm@uq.edu.au.
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at 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:
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Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section
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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 10 June at 11.50pm AEST (R-51704). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing Monday 23 June 2025.