Animal Facility Manager - Small Animals

About the Company

Our client, a leading medical research institute in Brisbane, is seeking an experienced Animal Facility Manager to lead their world‑class small animal research facility. This is a unique opportunity to manage a highly skilled team and support cutting‑edge research in areas such as Cancer, Infection & Inflammation, Brain & Mental Health, and Population Health. The facility primarily houses mice, has a PC3 insectary on site, and may expand to include rat models in the future.

About the Role

As Animal Facility Manager, you will provide strategic, operational, and people leadership across breeding, experimental, and operational teams. You will ensure world‑class animal care and husbandry, support high‑quality research outcomes, and maintain compliance with legislation, codes of practice, and institutional policies.

This role reports to the Scientific Services General Manager and has direct responsibility for 2 Team Leaders (Breeding & Experimental) and 1 Operations Supervisor with a total team of approximately 28 staff.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage experimental, transgenic, and operational teams.
• Provide guidance, set expectations, deliver ongoing training, and support professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative and productive working culture that promotes engagement and excellence.

Animal Care & Compliance

• Ensure all animal activities comply with legislation, codes of practice, and internal policies.
• Review and maintain procedures for animal records, audit work practices, and prepare compliance reports.
• Provide expert advice and training to staff on husbandry, handling, transgenic work, and experimental techniques.

Strategic & Operational Management

• Oversee the strategic and fiscal operations of the facility to meet research needs.
• Manage budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure cost‑effective outcomes.
• Support maintenance of equipment, sustainability planning, and liaise with facilities teams.
• Assist with management of other biological resources, including the PC3 Insectary when and if required.

Governance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Participate in committees such as Animal Ethics Committee and Animal Scientific Sub‑Committee.
• Provide guidance to Governance and Funding, Veterinary Services, and Research teams.
• Support collaborations with national and international research facilities.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external audits.

Health, Safety & Welfare

• Promote workplace safety and welfare, ensuring compliance with WHS legislation and policies.

About You?

• Qualifications in Animal Sciences (or equivalent) with experience managing a small animal research facility.
• Expertise in animal physiology, handling, husbandry, genetics, breeding, and euthanasia techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in animal research techniques including injections, sample collection, and tissue preparation.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Experience in budget management and financial oversight.
• Strong stakeholder management with a focus on facilitating medical research and delivering cost‑effective outcomes.
• Strong understanding of legislation governing laboratory animals in Queensland.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and time‑management skills.
• Experience in certified biosecurity facilities (desirable).
• Knowledge of small animal surgery and cryopreservation programmes (desirable).
• Active participation in the animal sciences industry (desirable).

The Benefits of This Role

• Lead a state‑of‑the‑art animal research facility and a highly skilled, dedicated team.
• Support cutting‑edge medical research across Cancer Research, Infection & Inflammation, Brain & Mental Health, and Population Health.
• Be part of an institute with a rich history of scientific excellence spanning more than eight decades, contributing to life‑changing discoveries and global health impact.
• Shape the future of animal research and contribute to pioneering scientific breakthroughs.
• A generous salary package is on offer with relocation assistance.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.

How to Apply?

This role is being recruited on behalf of our client. For further information, please contact Rebecca Gager on 0412 635 966. Applications should include a cover letter addressing the role requirements.

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